GARAPA DECKING

Premium Garapa Lumber: Beautiful and Affordable Brazilian Hardwood

Hardwoods are a popular choice for exterior projects thanks to their incredible strength, durability, and beauty. Premium Garapa wood is no exception. Known for its golden hues and astonishing resilience, Garapa wood decking can last up to 25 years, even in harsh climates, when properly maintained.

While Garapa is often compared with Ipe, another Brazilian hardwood, this unique wood is in a league of its own. Garapa wood is particularly suited for exterior environments due to its resistance to rot, insects, heat, and splintering, which ensures longevity and easy maintenance.

Read on to learn more about Garapa decking, and reach out to the marine lumber experts at Decks & Docks if you have any questions – we’re more than happy to help you decide on the best material for your next project.

WHY CHOOSE GARAPA DECKING?

Also known as “Grapia” or “Brazilian Ash,” Garapa is an exotic hardwood exported from South America. An affordable alternative to denser hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru, Garapa wood is still twice as strong as softwoods like cedar, redwood, and pine.

Garapa decking combines the beauty and strength of exotic hardwoods with an affordable price tag for outdoor building materials. It’s known for its long lifespan and natural resistance to rot, insects, heat, and splintering.

But most of all, this wood is known for its spectacular sun-kissed color. From light yellow to gold, any shade of this wood is sure to make your deck stand out.

GARAPA DECKING: A CUT ABOVE THE REST FOR OUTDOOR PROJECTS

Garapa wood has all of the same qualities that make hardwoods so appealing for exterior projects, including durability, insect and rot resistance, and longevity. However, the benefit of this lumber, which stands out from other hardwoods, is its affordability.

AFFORDABLE. For homeowners, the price point of Garapa wood is just right. Softwoods are cheaper but not as durable. Hardwoods like Ipe and Cumaru are more durable but more expensive. Garapa wood is the perfect compromise, giving homeowners the strength they need for outdoor projects without breaking the bank. Combined with Garapa’s long lifespan, it’s a worthwhile budget-friendly investment.

Of course, you shouldn’t base your decision on cost alone. If you’re between using Ipe and Garapa for your next project, consider what you’re looking to get out of your lumber and its final appearance.
NATURALLY DURABLE. Garapa wood combines the beauty of natural wood with the durability of a composite material. High density and hardness make it well-suited for harsh outdoor environments, and with a natural bending strength of 12,900 psi, a deck made with Garapa lumber is exceptionally sturdy. It won’t creak or bounce when walked on.

Garapa wood is also scratch-resistant, making it a great choice for outdoor decks and patios. You can walk and move furniture around without worrying about making ugly scrapes in the wood.
BEAUTIFUL APPEARANCE. The rich, golden color of Garapa wood ranges from light yellow to deep bronze. The wood grain, often compared to mahogany or maple, ensures that no two Garapa decks look alike.
ECO-FRIENDLY. Garapa wood is sustainably sourced from South American forests, making it an eco-friendly option.
LOW MAINTENANCE. How much maintenance you put into a Garapa deck largely depends on what color you want the deck to be. If you’d like your Garapa wood to maintain its deep golden hue, annual refinishing with a UV inhibitor will do the trick. If you’d rather not refinish and let the wood weather to its natural silver color, it won’t affect the lifespan of your deck. Unlike softwoods, it doesn’t need to be treated to maintain its natural durability.

Aside from the optional annual refinishing, Garapa wood is extremely low-maintenance—simply remove dirt and leaves with a broom or a hose. We don’t recommend pressure washing because using too much pressure will damage the wood. However, if you do decide to pressure wash, use no more than 1,200 psi.
INSECT & FUNGUS RESISTANT. Despite being a type of wood, Garapa is naturally resistant to termites, carpenter bees, carpenter ants, and other wood-eating pests. This is thanks to the wood’s high density and natural oils, which make it difficult for insects to penetrate it. Just remember that insect-resistant doesn’t mean insect-proof - it’s still a good idea to have your deck and the rest of your home inspected for termites every year or two.

Like insects, water also has a hard time penetrating this dense hardwood, making it naturally resistant to fungus and rot. If you live in a humid or rainy climate, this natural moisture resistance is essential.

HOW IS GARAPA WOOD USED?

Strong, durable, and scratch-resistant, Garapa is the perfect choice for outdoor projects such as decks, porches, siding, railing, and furniture. Because it isn’t as hard as Ipe decking material, it may not be the best choice for a commercial project that will undergo a lot of wear and tear. But for the average homeowner, Garapa decking material can easily withstand daily use with minimal upkeep.

WHAT DOES GARAPA LOOK LIKE?

Garapa wood is considerably lighter than Ipe. Available in shades of light yellow, bronze, and gold, this tropical hardwood’s warm, honeyed hues are undeniably gorgeous. The graining of this exotic wood is just as appealing, similar to the fine graining of mahogany or maple. No two pieces of Garapa wood are the same – your deck will be a unique work of art.

Like Ipe, Garapa decking will begin to fade if it is not refinished regularly, but some people prefer the weathered wood’s soft, silvery hue. If you’d rather keep the color of your deck as rich as the day it was installed, simply apply a UV-inhibiting oil to the surface once a year.

TREAT & PROTECT YOUR GARAPA DECK BOARDS

Hardwoods like Garapa, Ipe, and Cumaru are loved for their appearance and how easy it is to maintain that appearance. To preserve the beauty and durability of your Garapa decking, consider the following tips:

Cleaning: Simply sweep off dirt and leaves. Occasionally rinse with a hose, but avoid pressure washing, as high pressure (over 1,200 psi) can damage Garapa wood.
Refinishing: To keep your Garapa decking’s signature golden color, apply a UV-inhibiting oil once a year. Otherwise, let the wood age naturally to a silvery gray.
Annual Inspection: While Garapa decking is resistant to pests, it’s a good idea to have your deck and home inspected annually for termites.

To keep your golden Garapa deck looking as brilliant as the day it was installed, we recommend using Penofin Hardwood Formula. Formulated to penetrate and protect hardwoods while still allowing their natural beauty to shine through, applying this treatment once a year is an easy way to keep your deck or patio in perfect condition. Just stop by your nearest Decks & Docks location to grab a gallon!

FAQs ABOUT GARAPA DECKING

Is Garapa Decking Easy to Maintain?

Yes, Garapa decking is very low maintenance compared to other hardwoods. To maintain its golden color, apply a UV-inhibiting oil once a year. Otherwise, allow the wood to weather naturally, which won’t affect its color variation or durability. Routine cleaning involves sweeping debris and occasionally rinsing with a hose.

What Makes Garapa Wood a Good Choice for a Deck?

Garapa lumber is an excellent choice for decking due to its natural resistance to insects, rot, and weather damage. It’s also an affordable alternative to pricier hardwoods like Ipe, offering similar durability and beauty without the high cost. Its minimal maintenance requirements and beautiful golden hue make it a popular option for many homeowners, too.

Where Can I Buy Garapa Decking?

You can buy your Garapa hardwood decking from us at Decks & Docks! We offer premium Garapa wood decking and other marine-grade materials, ensuring you get the best quality for your outdoor projects. Contact us to schedule delivery to your location.

Does Garapa need to be sealed?

Garapa wood does not require sealing for durability, as it is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects. However, using a UV-inhibiting oil can help preserve its rich golden color and enhance its resistance to weathering.

TRANSFORM THE OUTDOORS WITH GARAPA DECKING FROM DECKS & DOCKS

Ready to transform your outdoor space with Garapa decking? Contact Decks & Docks today to speak with our experts and place your order. We’ll guide you through selecting the perfect materials for your deck, dock, or patio and ensure quick, reliable delivery.

For more decking and dock solutions, explore our sister company, The Deck Store’s decking collection, where you’ll find everything from composite decking to decking accessories and maintenance products. And check out our exotic hardwood and pressure-treated lumber options from Decks & Docks!

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