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/