Hardwood species / tonka-bean
Tonka-Bean
A dense, exceptionally durable hardwood known for strength, stability, and long-term performance.
Common Name(s)
Tonka Bean, Cumaru, Brazilian Teak
Scientific Name
Dipteryx odorata, Dipteryx spp.
Distribution
Guyana, Suriname, Brazil, Northern Amazon Basin
About Tonka-Bean
Tonka-Bean — also known as Cumaru — is an ultra-dense, high-performance tropical hardwood prized for its exceptional hardness, durability, and resistance to decay. Native to Guyana and the wider Amazon region, Tonka Bean is widely used in decking, heavy exterior structures, industrial flooring, and long-life architectural applications. Its rich brown colour, fine texture, and high mechanical strength make it one of the toughest commercial hardwoods available. With proper machining and finishing, Tonka Bean delivers decades of service even in harsh tropical or marine environments.
Read the material
Key Attributes
Appearance
Colour
Medium brown to dark reddish-brown
Grain
Interlocked, sometimes wavy
Texture
Fine to medium
Density
Extremely heavy
Performance
Workability
Difficult (very dense + interlocked grain)
Durability
Exceptional
Stability
Excellent dimensional stability
Measured performance
Technical Information
Reference values from the Evergreen species catalogue. Talk with our team about your project conditions.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | 3,200 lbf |
| Modulus of Rupture | 22,000–25,000 psi |
| Modulus of Elasticity | 2,700,000–3,000,000 psi |
| Density | 65–75 lbs/ft³ (avg ~70) |
| Crushing Strength | 12,000–14,000 psi |
| Shrinkage (Radial) | 4.5% |
| Shrinkage (Tangential) | 7.8% |
| Shrinkage (Volumetric) | 12.3% |
| T/R Ratio | 1.7 |
| Workability | Difficult (extreme density + interlocked grain) |
| Planing | Fair; tear-out possible |
| Sanding | Good |
| Finishing | Accepts oils; UV oils recommended outdoors |
| Stability | Excellent dimensional stability |
| Durability | Exceptional (decay, insects, marine borers) |
| Moisture Movement | Low |
Where it works best
Recommended Uses
Let’s build something lasting
Ready to start your project with Tonka-Bean?
Our team can help you choose the perfect dimensions and finish
Available Dimensions
- Thickness
- 1"-3"
- Width
- 4"-12"
- Length
- 8ft-16ft
- Grade
- Select, Prime, Rustic
- Milling
- Custom Milling Available
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