Our Blue Label Cambara is a beautiful clear grade decking priced in the range of knotty softwoods and better grades of treated lumber. For just a few dollars more, you can enjoy the classic beauty of wood without those large, unsightly knots.
We also carry a Red Label Cambara that is prized for an appearance that is often compared to redwood.
This Brazilian hardwood has a beautiful, deep reddish-brown heartwood and a distinct grayish-white sapwood. Straight grained with a typically medium to coarse grain, it is valued for its color consistency, KD stability, decay resistance, finishing qualities and its kiln-dried stability. Commonly used as a substitute for Lauan/Meranti due to its more consistent color.
Cambara has a durability rating similar to Genuine Mahogany, Cedar and Redwood. When you compare the consistent grade and color of our Cambara decking to genuine mahogany decking you’ll be impressed.
Be Aware. Genuine Cambara as introduced to the market by Timber Holdings Intl. should not to be confused with False Cambara (quarubarana) which is being substituted for Erisma Uncinatum due to its similar appearance and lower cost. In application, quarubarana is known to be lower in stability and more prone to checking than Genuine Cambara. It is also important to note that Genuine Cambara is sold under the name mahogany in some markets, as is Meranti. To make certain that you are receiving the beautiful genuine Cambara that Timber Holdings Intl. supplies, be sure to specify the Iron Woods® brand.
Cambara decking is naturally durable and contains no harmful chemicals.
The strength of Cambara allows you to span 24" with 5/4x6 decking and 16" with the attractive 1x4 pattern.
Cambara is harder and more scratch resistant when compared to similarly priced decking materials and can be installed using similar methods and tools. Unlike other types of hardwood decking, with Cambara you do not have to pre-drill for every screw. Ring Shank nails are an option as well, though ends should always be predrilled in any wood decking to reduce end splitting.
| Cambara | CCA-Treated Pine | Composite Decking | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type | Hardwood | Softwood | Plastic Wood |
| Maintenance | Medium | High | Low |
| Decay Resistance | Medium | Varies | Varies |
| Termite Resistance | Low | Varies | Varies |
| Strength | Medium | Medium | Low |
| Movement in Service | Medium | High | High |
| Fire Rating Class | Medium | Varies | Low |
| Weight per cu. ft. | 37 lbs. | 35lbs. | 60 - 64lbs. |
| Bending Strength (in psi) | 12,687 psi | 9,900 - 14,500 | 1,423 - 4,500 |
| E-modulus | 1,561,000 | 1,170,000 - 1,510,000 | 175,000 - 480,000 |
| Shear Strength | 1,138 | 1,370 | 561 to 1,010 |
| Hardness | 867 | 690 | 940 to 1,390 |
See how it compares to the rest of our line
Cambara is a fine hardwood that is often used for applications such as ship building, door and window frames, millwork, moldings, boxes and crates, outdoor decking and fencing. Its warm, reddish-brown tones blend well with many types of railing systems, or you can choose from Cambara dimensional lumber to create your own design.
Cambara is available in a full range of sizes and profiles.
Decking – 1x4, 1x6, 5/4x4
Tongue and Groove Porch Floor – 1x4, 5/4x4
Post and Hand Rail – 4x4, 2x2, 2x4, 2x6
Siding and Ceiling – 1x4, 1x6, 5/4x4, 5/4x6
Trim – Standard and custom profiles available upon request.
Cambara decking is a kiln-dried product and should be kept clean and dry, stacked off the ground, and loosely tarped to allow for air circulation. Seal all surfaces before installation.
Cambara 1x4 (net 3/4") spans 16" and is gapped a minimum of 3/16". Cambara 5/4x6 (net 1") spans 24" and is gapped a minimum of 1/4". Gaps between deck boards are necessary to allow for drainage, expansion, and ventilation. Butt joints should be tight and sealed with an outdoor wood sealer.
Allow for adequate clearance between the deck and the ground. Avoid applications with poor ventilation or on rooftop decks. Proper ventilation allows airflow from outside the deck area, under the joists and up through the gaps between the decking.
We recommend high-quality stainless steel "self-drilling" screws. Stainless steel nails and coated screws may also be used. Using lower quality fasteners can cause black staining. Fasteners should penetrate 1-1/2" into the framing. Drill pilot holes at the board ends and stay 3/4" away from the edges and ends to avoid splitting.
We recommend sealing Cambara to assist the acclimation process to reduce surface checking. For best performance, seal all four sides and the ends of each board before installation. Use high-quality penetrating oil or water-based exterior sealers that contain mildewcides, fungicides, and UV inhibitors. Cambara also accepts paint extremely well. Ask your local dealer to recommend a product suitable for your climate.
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For further details on the installation of Iron Woods® Cambara, you can contact us at any time.
Contact Timber Holdings
Phone: 414-445-8989
Fax: 414-445-9155
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