GARAPA

Garapa is one of the finest quality hardwoods available that features fine-grained timber, with colors that range from light yellow to a warm golden shade — in a word, blonde. It is definitely much lighter than ipe wood and many other popular decking hardwoods. Over time and with sun exposure, it ages to a beautiful silver color. If you want to preserve the golden color, you may want to seal it, but you won’t need to seal it for durability reasons.

Many architects and designers like to use Garapa or Brazilian Ash as it is sometimes called, because of its beautiful color which is a neutral color that can blend in with many home styles. For those with light-shaded houses, Garapa certainly offers variety in looks. Also, the lighter color of the wood makes it ideal for exteriors with hot climates as lighter shades absorb less sunlight and thus remain cooler in the heat. This is only one of the reasons it is an ideal hardwood for exteriors – it’s comparatively easy to work with for hardwood and can last for 30 or more years with little maintenance.

Garapa wood hails from a tree native to South America. The tree can shoot up to 100 feet tall (straight without bending) and stretch up to 5 feet in diameter. Garapa is primarily found in the Brazilian rainforest as well as nearby countries fortunate to have tropical climates. There, the trees grow tall and thick and then are harvested and milled into high-quality hardwood. It is naturally scratch-resistant, allowing surfaces to remain smooth for many years. Garapa is also internationally recognized as Brazilian Ash, Muirajuba, Apuleia Leiocarpa, Marotoa, Grapia, Amarealao and Muiratua.