The 7 Best Features Of Garapa Lumber

Garapa lumber is one of the best woods for decking. The workability of this tropical hardwood goes beyond words. Due to its robustness and resistance to extreme weather conditions, it can be used for any type of outdoor construction.

In addition, this hardwood is resistant to water, rot, and mildew. It is widely used in decking, siding, and floors with heavy foot traffic. Plus, its beautiful golden tones enrich the project with a warm atmosphere and a natural look.

However, it is true that there are some good tropical hardwoods alternatives when it comes to building a deck, such as Ipe, Cumaru or Jatoba. They are all beautiful, dense and durable options, so  it can be difficult to decide which one is best for the project. 

In the last few years, Garapa lumber has rapidly gained popularity with homeowners. Why? Here at Brazilian Lumber we share with you what we believe are the 7 reasons that make this tropical hardwood, also known as Brazilian Ash, stand out from the crowd:

• Fiber bending strength 
• Density
• Low maintenance
• Lower price than Ipe
• Resistance to rot, decay, and insects
• Variety in color
• Fire safety rating 

1. The Fiber Bending Strength Of Garapa Lumber

Instagram photo from @mgcdeks

The Garapa deck has a flexural strength of 12,900 psi. This means that this wood spans greater distances with very little deflection. With less deflection, deck boards gain more stability. 

In addition, Garapa lumber has a Janka hardness of 1650 lbf (7,350 N), which is also another aspect that proves its high quality. 

The quality of this wood is sometimes compared to more popular ones such as cedar, redwood or pine.

The deck is designed to last, and the need for the best quality is emphasized by the fact that items placed outdoors are not only exposed to the harshest conditions, but also to the roughest handling.

2. The Density Of Garapa Lumber

Garapa lumber has a high density, which makes it inherently resistant to pests and rot. Therefore, it is an excellent choice if you are looking to build a permanent, beautiful, and long-lasting outdoor deck or structure.

You may not think a floor is dangerous, but from splinters to slips and falls, accidents can happen on a surface with imperfections.

Water, dirt and insects can weaken wooden boards over time and cause them to rot. The last thing you want to do is find out by sticking your foot through the rotting board.

Using Garapa lumber for your outdoor projects can help reduce these hazards. Garapa, like other high quality hardwoods, is less prone to splintering than properly cared-for softwoods. And because it’s rot-resistant,  it tends to be more durable.

3. Garapa Lumber Is A Low Maintenance Material

Another benefit of using Garapa lumber is that you don’t have to spend a lot of time looking after it. Hardwoods are  usually very easy to care for. Most of the time, all they need is a little soap and water to keep them in top condition.

Here’s an important tip: Garapa decking should be swept up as needed to remove dirt and grime for optimal appearance. As for maintenance, this wood can be left alone to weather naturally, or  it can be oiled.

Just keep in mind that the density of the Garapa makes it difficult for the wood to properly absorb some oil-based products. For best results, always test products on a small area of ​​your deck before finishing the entire surface.

4. Garapa Lumber Is Resistant To Rot, Decay, And Insects

When choosing a material for an outdoor project, you need to get something that will withstand the elements. For example, if you are building near a pool or hot tub, you should also consider frequent exposure to water. 

The waterproof grain of Garapa lumber keeps moisture out, naturally prevents rot and decay, and creates a pool-friendly surface. The density of this wood also keeps hungry insects like termites out, which prolongs the life of your deck.

5. Garapa Lumber And Its Variety In Color

If you want to improve the exterior of your home, Garapa lumber will help you with that. Thanks to its red-brown hues, the golden color of Garapa has gained popularity in modern architecture.

Blonde, yellow, and honey, are other words commonly used to describe the shades of Garapa. But whatever the name, there’s no doubt that the rich, bright color of this tropical hardwood is breathtaking.

If left in the open air, Garapa naturally acquires a soft silvery-platinum tone, very similar to the appearance of weathered Ipe wood.

Nothing could be more pleasant than spending the afternoons on a deck with perfectly sawn and machined surfaces, such as Garapa lumber. The combination of color, texture and grain make it a noble wood that stands out  from the rest.

6. Garapa Lumber Has A  Lower Price Than Ipe

While any hardwood would make a great deck, homeowners love the fact that Garapa is one of the cheapest hardwoods out there.

Although Ipe is the king of density and durability, Garapa is not far behind. For one thing, it’s still a lot harder than softwoods like cedar and pine. And like Ipe, Garapa offers rot and insect resistance, and a high quality appearance at a fraction of the cost.

7. Garapa Lumber Has The Same Fire-Safety Rating As Ipe

While some people think of wood as a flammable material, Garapa actually has a reputation for being fire-resistant. With a Class A fire rating, equal to Ipe, Garapa is in the same category as steel, brick, and concrete.

This does not mean that Garapa is 100% fire-resistant, but it does mean that fire spreads much more slowly across the surface of this material. This should give you some security when grilling on your deck.

There you have it. With Garapa lumber you get: high quality, a beautiful and long-lasting material, and safety all in one.