Advantages (Pros)
Lifespan:
One of the standout features of Garapa decking is its impressive lifespan. Garapa wood can last for decades, with 25 years or more being quite common. This makes it a long-term investment that will serve you well for many years, making it an excellent choice for those who want a durable and reliable deck.
Maintenance:
Garapa wood is relatively low-maintenance. If you prefer your Garapa deck to weather naturally to a silver-gray color, all you need to do is clean it occasionally. However, if you want to maintain its original light brown color, you’ll need to apply a UV protectant finisher periodically. This will help preserve the wood’s natural beauty and protect it from the sun’s rays.
Cost:
When it comes to cost, Garapa is less expensive than high-end composites and other exotic hardwoods like Ipe. This makes it a more affordable option for those who want the benefits of a hardwood deck without the higher price tag. You get excellent value for your money with Garapa.
Sustainability:
Our Garapa complies with the US Lacey Act, ensuring that it is sourced responsibly and sustainably. This means that the wood comes from forests that are managed in an environmentally friendly way, helping to preserve ecosystems and reduce deforestation. By choosing Garapa Decking, you are supporting sustainable forestry practices that protect wildlife habitats and promote biodiversity. Additionally, sustainable harvesting helps maintain the health of forests, ensuring that they can continue to provide resources and benefits for future generations.
Color:
Garapa has a beautiful blond to light brown color, which tends to be cooler to walk on than darker woods. If you let Garapa weather to a silver-gray, it becomes even cooler, making it comfortable to walk on barefoot during hot summer days. This can be a big plus if you live in a warm climate.
Fire Rating:
Garapa is a very hard wood, harder than oak, and has good fire resistance. Unlike plastic composites, it does not release smoke or fumes when exposed to fire. This enhances the safety of your outdoor space when grilling or if you have an outdoor kitchen.
Insect Resistance:
Like all Brazilian hardwoods, Garapa is naturally resistant to insects and fungus. Termites, pine beetles, and other pests prefer softer woods and are less likely to attack Garapa. This natural resistance helps protect your deck from common problems that can damage other types of wood like Cedar or untreated Pine.
Disadvantages (Cons)
Color Maintenance:
If you want to keep the light brown color of Garapa, you will need to apply a UV protectant finisher regularly. Without this maintenance, the wood will weather to a silver-gray. This ongoing maintenance can be a bit of a hassle if you prefer a low-maintenance deck.
Installation Weight:
Garapa is much denser and heavier than pine. This means you’ll be doing some heavy lifting during installation. Whereas you might be able to carry three or four pine boards at a time, you might only be able to handle one or two Garapa boards. This added weight can make installation more labor-intensive and time-consuming.
Hardness:
The hardness of Garapa can make it challenging to work with. It’s recommended to use high-quality carbide blades and bits for cutting and drilling. Additionally, all penetrations must be pre-drilled, which can slow down the installation process compared to working with softer woods like pine. If you’re planning to install the deck yourself, be prepared for some extra effort.
Shadows:
Care must be taken during installation to ensure that no metal rests on the Garapa wood. Metal filings or debris from other construction activities, like installing an electrical box, can cause black shadowing on the wood. These marks can be unsightly and difficult to remove, so it’s important to keep the wood metal free.
Color Staining:
Garapa is very hard and dense, which makes it difficult to stain. The wood does not accept stains well, and even if you manage to apply a stain, it will likely wear off within a year. If you want a deck that you can easily change the color of, Garapa might not be the best choice.
Cost:
While Garapa is less expensive than some exotic woods, it is still more costly than pine decking. If you’re on a tight budget, this higher cost can be a drawback. However, the long-term benefits and durability of Garapa can make it a worthwhile investment.
Summary
Garapa decking offers a mix of excellent durability, low maintenance, and natural beauty, making it a great choice for many homeowners. Its long lifespan, resistance to insects and fire, and relatively low cost compared to other hardwoods make it an attractive option. However, it does come with some challenges, such as the need for regular maintenance to preserve its color, the difficulty of installation due to its weight and hardness, and the higher cost compared to softer woods like pine.
Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ on Garapa
What is Garapa wood?
Garapa is a type of hardwood from Brazil, known for its beautiful blond to light brown color and high durability. It’s often used for decking because it lasts a long time and is resistant to bugs and rot.
How long does a Garapa deck last?
A Garapa deck can last for decades, with 25 years or more being quite common. It’s a long-lasting choice for outdoor spaces.
How do I maintain a Garapa deck?
If you want your Garapa deck to weather to a silver-gray color, you only need to clean it occasionally. To keep its original light brown color, you’ll need to apply a UV protectant finisher regularly.
Is Garapa expensive?
Garapa is less expensive than some other hardwoods like Ipe and high-end composite materials. It offers good value for its durability and beauty.
How does Garapa wood look?
Garapa wood has a lovely blond to light brown color. If left untreated, it will gradually turn a silver-gray over time. Many people find silver gray very attractive when coupled with minimal maintenance..
Is Garapa resistant to fire?
Yes, Garapa is fire-resistant. Unlike plastic composites, it doesn’t release smoke or fumes, which makes it a safer option for your deck. Especially with firepits, grilling or outdoor kitchens.
Can insects damage Garapa wood?
Garapa is naturally resistant to insects like termites and pine beetles. Its hardness and density make it less appealing to bugs.
Is Garapa wood hard to install?
Garapa is heavier and harder than woods like pine, which can make installation more difficult. You’ll need to use special tools like carbide blades and pre-drill holes for screws.
Can I stain Garapa to a different color?
Garapa is very dense and doesn’t accept stains well. Even if you manage to stain it, the color will likely wear off within a year.
Does Garapa get hot in the sun?
Garapa wood is cooler to walk on than darker woods, especially if it weathers to a silver-gray color. It’s a good choice for sunny areas.
Is Garapa eco-friendly?
Yes, when sourced from responsible suppliers, Garapa can be eco-friendly. Be sure your Garapa is at a minimum conforms to the Lacey Act.
What are the main benefits of Garapa decking?
The main benefits of Garapa decking include its long lifespan, beautiful color, resistance to insects and fire, and relatively low maintenance needs.
Are there any downsides to using Garapa decking?
The main downsides are the need for regular maintenance to keep its color, the difficulty of installation due to its weight and hardness, and the higher cost compared to softer woods like pine.