Is Garapa Wood Right for You? Uncovering the Facts

Traditional softwoods, treated lumber, and composites are readily available, but they fall short in terms of lifespan, aesthetics, and overall maintenance compared to Brazilian hardwoods like Garapa. This is why we recommend Garapa decking for anyone who wants a durable, light-colored deck. Here at ABS Wood, we carry the highest grade of this material in different sizes and profiles, including handrails and 4-by-4 posts, so you don’t need to go elsewhere to complete your outdoor renovation.

 

One of the best things about Garapa is it goes well with other Brazilian hardwoods like Ipe for a unique look. Of course, you can also use it on its own if you prefer a consistent and timeless aesthetic.

 

Should you use Garapa for your deck? Read on as we share more facts about this Brazilian hardwood. We hope the information on this blog can help you make an informed choice.

The basics

 

Garapa wood is also known as Brazilian oak, and it hails from the Amazon rainforest. Like other Brazilian hardwoods, it is a hard and dense material that makes it perfect for building a long-lasting and durable deck. But perhaps what makes it stand out from other decking woods is its lemon-yellow hue. This color can make your deck look more striking, especially against a backdrop of dark or rich-colored woods and lush greenery.

 

Features you’ll love

 

Garapa decking is so dense that it’s naturally scratch-resistant. It takes a lot to scratch this hardwood. Just how hard is this material? It scores 2280 lbf on the Janka scale, making it harder than oak and maple. Plus, it’s slip-resistant, allowing you to walk barefoot on your deck without worries. Using Garapa is also a good option if you don’t like spending too much time maintaining and treating your deck to prevent decay and mold.

 

Garapa is often compared to Ipe, another Brazilian hardwood. However, it’s significantly more affordable, allowing you to build a durable and attractive deck without breaking the bank. At ABS Wood, we sell Garapa at reasonable prices for every exterior application.

A closer look

 

Among the striking features of Garapa wood are its yellow color and fine grain. Because of its nature, some boards will have attractive brown streaks. With sun exposure, the yellow color transforms into a lovely russet golden brown and eventually turns into a timeless gray if you don’t apply a UV inhibitor finish.

 

Gapara is native to the Amazon rainforest, so it naturally resists decay, insects, rot, and water damage. This means your deck can have the same benefits, and its lifespan should be at least 25 years. Best of all, the wood doesn’t need any preservatives or special treatments.

 

How it’s sourced

 

Are you conscious of your environmental impact? At ABS Wood, we make sure our Garapa decking comes from sustainably managed South American forests. We are an FSC-certified company committed to environmental sustainability, ensuring we follow the highest standards in responsible forest management.

 

Our FSC Certified Garapa wood lets you build a deck with FSC products to add to your LEED credits. When the wood reaches the end of its lifespan, it will decompose like other biodegradable materials, so you won’t have to worry about your deck ending up in landfills.

 

Colors

 

Garapa decking boards are medium-brown, but you can darken them with a tinted finisher. Like all hardwoods, Garapa wood has variations in grain and color. However, this adds character and more interest to your outdoor space.

 

More interesting facts about Garapa

 

Garapa decking has moderate fire resistance. It’s not as high as Cumaru or Ipe, but it’s still a great material for building a wood deck, especially if you want to work faster. While it’s easier to work with, we still recommend pre-drilling. In any case, it machines well and securely holds fasteners. Plus, it exhibits good stability with minimal contraction and expansion when exposed to environmental changes in humidity.

 

 

Build your deck with Garapa wood.

 

We are ready to supply Garapa decking material for your project. Reach out to us here at ABS Wood by emailing info@abswood.com or calling 404-549-4840 or 352-508-4990.

 

Source : https://abswood.com/blog/is-garapa-wood-right-for-you-uncovering-the-facts/

Common Mistakes in Ipe Decking Installation and How to Avoid Them

When you choose a durable and long-lasting hardwood such as ipe for your deck, you can enjoy your outdoor space for decades. You won’t have to worry about extensive and costly maintenance or replacing it within just a few years. However, installing ipe decking is not as simple as installing a typical wood deck. It requires expertise and the correct tools to ensure it’s built well. You also have to use the highest quality boards.

 

At ABS Wood, we are committed to bringing only carefully selected premium grade ipe wood decking. We sell FSC ipe to show our commitment to helping sustainably managed forests. Our expert team can help you with material selection based on your project. We want to ensure you are getting the most value from our products. So, for this blog, we want to share the common mistakes you must avoid in ipe decking installation to help you plan your project accordingly.

 

Using standard tools

 

Ipe is so hard no wood-destroying organisms like pine beetles and fungus can bite into it. How hard is it? It’s 3680 lb on the Janka scale. Given this feature, you need carbide-tipped tools and the sharpest brand saws. 80 teeth should be ideal for a smooth and clean cut every time. For a smoother finish, use 80 grit on your orbital sander.

 

Not pre-drilling

 

Installing an ipe wood decking is not as straightforward as an ordinary deck. We recommend pre-drilling the wood for screws and having extra bits on hand, just in case.

 

Not getting the necessary permits.

 

One of the worst mistakes you could make is proceeding with ipe decking installation without checking if you need to get a permit for the job. If you violate local building codes, prepare to pay hefty fines or tear down what you have already built. Plus, building out of code makes it challenging to sell your home down the line. So, take the time to check for the necessary permits and secure them on time for a smooth sailing project and to avoid any delays.

 

Using inappropriate post footers

 

You need reliable post footers for ipe wood decking, especially when your area experiences extreme freeze-thaw cycles. Ensure the post holes are four feet deep to prevent sagging, shifting, and leaning over time. Plus, consider using post stirrups. These will go deeper into the ground into the concrete to prevent moisture buildup and keep the wood posts above ground.

 

Not making it level

 

It sounds simple, but not everyone builds a level deck from the get-go. As a result, they had to make some adjustments down the road. Save time and effort by ensuring the ipe decking installation is level from the start.

 

Inadequate posts and support joists

 

The amount of posts and support joints varies depending on the size of your deck and the weight it must support. Ensure there’s enough for the size and weight of your ipe wood decking to avoid problems down the road. When in doubt, you can always ask professionals like us for advice.

 

Using low-quality attachment methods

 

Another common deck installation mistake is using inefficient attachment practices. In ipe decking installation, you should avoid screwing the support beams onto the sides of the posts. It’s best to groove out the post’s top part and firmly rest the beam on it. Otherwise, use the correct mounting brackets.

 

Additionally, some builders make the mistake of using inadequate metal hardware that is more prone to rusting. Because of this, their deck gets rust stains and develops poor structural integrity that compromises safety.

 

Forgetting the railing

 

Some homeowners believe railings and handrails are not a big deal, but these structures increase the safety of your deck. Don’t wait until someone gets in an accident or has to pay hefty fines for violating building codes. At ABS Wood, we offer different deck railings to meet your personal preferences and design goals.

 

Ready to build your ipe deck?

 

Get a quote for ipe wood decking materials here at ABS Wood. You can also call us at 352-508-4990 or 404-549-4840 for advice about ipe decking installation.

 

Source: https://abswood.com/blog/garapa-wood-for-outdoor-furniture-a-stylish-and-durable-choice/