6 Reasons to Choose Garapa Wood for Your Deck

Whether you’re building a brand new deck or replacing the boards of an old one, you have an important decision to make – what type of wood are you going to use? 

If you want a deck made from natural wood, you can’t go wrong with tropical hardwoods like Garapa, Ipe, or Cumaru. But because they’re all beautiful, dense, and durable, it can be hard to decide which one is best. However, in recent years, Garapa has rapidly been gaining popularity among homeowners – why is that? 

Also known as Brazilian Ash, there are many ways that Garapa wood sets itself apart from the rest. Here are 6 reasons why you should consider using it for your next decking project. 

#1. It’s a more budget-friendly hardwood than Ipe. 

While any hardwood would make for an excellent deck, homeowners love the fact that Garapa is one of the most budget-friendly hardwoods available.

No one can argue that Ipe is the king of density and durability, but Garapa is not too far behind. For starters, it’s still much harder than softwoods like cedar and pine. And like Ipe, Garapa offers rot resistance, insect resistance, and a high-end look. 

Especially for a private deck that receives little foot traffic, you don’t need to splurge on the highest density wood to get a lot of life out of your deck. For most homeowners, Garapa offers plenty of stability and strength at a fraction of the cost. 

#2. Garapa wood comes in gorgeous colors. 

If you’re looking to elevate your home’s exterior, Garapa wood is a great way to do it. While Ipe is beautiful in its own way with its reddish-brown hues, Garapa’s golden color has gained popularity in modern architecture. 

Other words commonly used to describe shades of Garapa are blonde, yellow, and honey. But no matter what you call it, there’s no denying that the light, rich color of this hardwood is stunning. The exotic graining patterns are a plus, too – every deck made from Garapa wood is truly one of a kind. 

#3. It’s naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects.

When you’re deciding on a material for an outdoor project, you have to choose something that can withstand the elements. If you’re building around a pool or hot tub, you’ll want to take frequent exposure to water into account as well.

Garapa wood’s tight water-resistant grain keeps moisture out, naturally preventing rot and decay and creating a pool-friendly surface. The wood’s density is also great at keeping out hungry insects like termites, resulting in a much longer lifespan for your deck. 

#4. Garapa decking has the same fire-safety rating as steel.

While many of us tend to think that the word “wood” is synonymous with “flammable”, Garapa actually has a reputation for being fire-resistant. With a Class A fire rating, Garapa is in the same category as inorganic materials like steel, brick, and cement. 

This does not mean that Garapa is completely fireproof, but it does mean that fire spreads much more slowly across the materials’ surface. That should give you some peace of mind when you’re grilling out on your deck.

#5. Garapa wood can improve the safety of your deck.

You might not think of a deck as something dangerous, but from splinters to slips and falls, accidents can (and do) happen. 

Over time, water, debris, and insects can cause wooden boards to become weak and rot. The last thing you want to do is discover this by putting your foot through the rotten board. 

Using Garapa wood for your decking project can help to reduce these hazards. Garapa, like other high-end hardwoods, is less prone to splintering than softwoods with proper maintenance. And because it’s resistant to decay, your deck will last longer without succumbing to rot. 

Remember, the long-term performance of any deck, whether it’s made from Garapa, Ipe, or pine, depends on how well it’s maintained. Garapa may be low-maintenance, but it’s not maintenance-free. Regularly checking your deck for damage and keeping the surface clear of debris are easy ways to ensure the safety of your deck. 

#6. It’s easy to take care of. 

Another benefit of using Garapa wood for your deck is that you won’t have to spend a lot of time maintaining it. Hardwoods, in general, are very easy to care for – most of the time, all they need is a little soap and water to stay in their best condition. 

In addition to cleaning your deck every now and then, you can also choose to apply a hardwood finish to your deck to maintain its rich golden color. Just keep in mind that Garapa’s density makes it difficult for the wood to absorb some oil-based products properly. For the best results, always test products on a small area of your deck before you finish the entire surface. 

If you choose to skip the annual finish, your Garapa deck will gradually weather to a silver-gray color – some people even prefer the weathered look!

Get Samples of Garapa Wood for Your Deck 

Curious about how Garapa wood would look next to your home or on your marina? 

Request a free sample so that you can see this gorgeous hardwood up close and personal. Simply enter your contact info and Decks & Docks Lumber Company will ship you a free sample of Ipe or Garapa wood. 

In addition to our selection of Brazilian hardwoods, we also supply high-quality marine-grade softwoods as well as composite decking materials. To learn more about the products we offer, click here to drop us a line or give us a call at 866-528-9663 – we look forward to helping you build your dream deck or dock!