Choosing Cumaru for Boat Toe Rail Restoration
Ep 42 Finding cheap teak - https://youtu.be/tU3M6iwo48U
Ahoy, fellow seafarers and boat enthusiasts! Today, we're diving into the world of boat restoration and shedding light on a commonly asked question: What material did we use for our toe rail?
Contrary to popular belief, we didn't opt for traditional teak. Instead, we turned to a lesser-known yet equally impressive alternative called cumaru. Also known as Brazilian teak, cumaru boasts similar qualities to its Asian counterpart but at a fraction of the cost.
Now, let's delve into why cumaru became our material of choice. First and foremost, it's all about affordability. While traditional teak can cost a whopping $25 per board foot, cumaru comes in at a mere $5 per board foot. With such a significant price difference, the decision was a no-brainer.
But cost aside, cumaru holds its own in terms of quality and aesthetics. Upon closer inspection, you'll notice its distinctive grain pattern—a blend of dark and light hues that mirror the natural beauty of teak. Plus, its coarse texture and needle-like end grain are reminiscent of traditional teak, ensuring a seamless integration with existing woodwork.
Beyond its visual appeal, cumaru proved to be a joy to work with during the restoration process. Despite initial concerns about its hardness, we found it to be surprisingly manageable, allowing us to achieve precise cuts and seamless joints with ease.
As we pieced together the toe rail, it quickly became evident that cumaru was the right choice for the job. Not only did it meet our expectations in terms of performance and durability, but it also exceeded them in terms of cost-effectiveness and versatility.
So, to all fellow boat owners and restoration enthusiasts, consider cumaru as a viable alternative to traditional teak for your next project. With its affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal, it's a winning choice for any marine renovation endeavor.
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