Garapa can be a great choice in lumber if
you want a durable deck in a color that is lighter than other Brazilian
hardwoods. Also known as 'Brazilian oak,’ Garapa is distinctively yellowish
with a fine grain, and sometimes, you can get boards with streaks of brown,
which further adds character to the texture and appearance of the wood. The
yellow hue can transform into a lovely shade of russet golden brown after
prolonged exposure to the sun. You usually have to import Garapa wood in the
USA, but these tips should help ensure that you are getting genuine lumber from
the Amazon forest at the right price:
- Real Garapa wood naturally resists insects, decay, and water damage – This strong lumber can last 25 years or more, and it does not require any preservatives. Think twice before sourcing this wood from a supplier that recommends a wide variety of wood treatments and preservatives. Garapa should require only a good amount of UV inhibitor finish to prevent it from turning gray.
- Make sure it’s responsibly harvested – Reputable suppliers get harvest Brazilian hardwoods from sustainable managed forests in South America. Garapa is a naturally biodegradable wood.
- Garapa costs less than ipe – The two are comparable, but Garapa is typically sold at a fraction of ipe's price.
- Buy from a supplier that caters to specific hardwood decking lengths – Boards in specified lengths are better than purchasing random boards. You should be able to buy Garapa boards in a specific size of at least 33 percent of the total linear feet if you want eight and 10-inch lengths. This way, it will be easier to use the wood for stairs, landings, wraps, and risers.
- Ask about the possibility of direct shipping to your job site – Make sure that Garapa can be shipped directly to your job site or to your home, so you do not have to worry about getting it yourself.
