A Unique Wood That Sets You Apart from the Rest, Garapa Wood

04 Oct A Unique Wood That Sets You Apart from the Rest, Garapa Wood

Garapa Wood: Beauty and Benefits of Garapa Wood

When it comes to decking materials, few options blend natural beauty, durability, and sustainability as effectively as Garapa wood. Whether you’re planning to improve your existing deck or considering a brand-new outdoor space, Garapa wood decking is worth your attention. but… why? There are several reasons why you should consider Garapa wood for your next decking project. What color comes to your mind when you think about a wood deck? Brown, right? or something similar… But what about a golden color tone? That is Garapa! This distinct shade sets it apart from traditional wood decking options and immediately grabs attention.GARAPA. 

Garapa Wood – Nature’s Elegance at Your Feet

Garapa wood, also known as Brazilian Ash, is a tropical hardwood that hails from South America. Its striking golden hue and fine, straight grain make it a popular choice for decking projects. But Garapa wood offers more than just aesthetics; it’s a natural choice for the eco-conscious homeowners and contractors. One of the best features of Garapa wood is its sustainability. Sourced from responsibly managed forests, Garapa is a renewable resource that doesn’t contribute to deforestation. Choosing Garapa wood for your deck is a step towards a greener, more environmentally friendly outdoor space.

The Durability Factor of Garapa

Garapa is a durable hardwood with a 30+ year lifespan suitable for many applications, especially if you want to build a permanent, beautiful, and long-lasting outdoor deck or structure. Garapa wood is renowned for its durability. It’s naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect infestations, making it an excellent choice for outdoor use. With proper maintenance, a Garapa wood deck can last for decades, providing long-lasting value for your investment. There’s a scale called The Janka Hardness that measures the toughness or resistance to wear and denting of various wood species. It is very popular and it is used worldwide. Garapa typically falls within the range of 1,710 to 2,160 lbf (pound-force) on the Janka Hardness scale. For example, if we compare this tropical wood to others, we find that cedar falls within the range of 900 to 1000 lbf on the Janka Hardness scale, while walnut varies from 1010 to 1500 lbf. This illustrates that while Garapa is indeed a more budget-friendly alternative to Ipe and Cumaru, it doesn’t compromise on its long-term strength and durability compared to domestic woods.

Installation and Maintenance

Installing Garapa wood decking requires careful planning and craftsmanship. In this section, we’ll walk you through the key steps to ensure your deck is not only beautiful but also structurally sound. Additionally, we’ll provide maintenance tips to keep your Garapa decking looking pristine year after year. Here are some installing tips for DIYers:

Acclimation: Before installation, allow the decking boards to acclimate to the local climate and moisture conditions. This helps prevent excessive shrinking or expansion after installation.

1. Proper Framing: Ensure a solid and level substructure for your deck. Use pressure-treated or rot-resistant lumber for the framing and joists. Check for proper spacing and ensure that the frame is securely anchored to the house or support posts. We recommend using joist tape to cover the sides of the frame, which helps prevent water and moisture from prematurely damaging or deteriorating the frame, thus extending its lifespan for more years
2. Spacing: Leave a small gap between each deck board to allow for natural expansion and contraction. The gap should be around 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Use spacers or specialized decking clips to achieve consistent spacing.
3. Fasteners: Use stainless steel or corrosion-resistant screws and fasteners to avoid rust stains. Predrill holes near the ends of the boards to prevent splitting. Attach boards securely to the joists to prevent warping or cupping.
4. Sealing or Staining: Garapa wood is naturally resistant to decay, but applying a penetrating sealer or stain can enhance its longevity and maintain its color. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the specific product you choose.

For maintenance, the favorite benefit of many people is that you don’t have to spend much time caring for it. Hardwoods are usually very easy to maintain. Most of the time, they only need soap and water to keep them in perfect condition. Garapa decking should be swept up as needed to remove dirt for optimal appearance. As for maintenance, this wood can be left alone to weather naturally or be oiled. Untreated Garapa will turn an attractive silver-gray color as it ages. Some people even prefer the weathered look. No coating or sealers need to be used if you appreciate this aging process. But you can always apply a UV inhibitor once a year to maintain its honey tone

Garapa Wood Decking Design Ideas

Your outdoor space should reflect your style and preferences. We’ll showcase various design ideas and layouts that can be achieved with Garapa wood decking, from classic to contemporary, to inspire your own project.

There are some reasons why people may find light wood-colored decks more appealing:

1. Reflects Heat: Lighter-colored decks tend to reflect more sunlight and heat, making them more comfortable to walk on during hot summer days. Dark decks can absorb and retain heat, becoming uncomfortably hot.
2. Perceived Cleanliness: Light colors often give the impression of cleanliness and freshness. Dust, dirt, and stains may be less noticeable on a light-colored deck compared to a dark one, making it appear cleaner.
3. Expansive Feel: Light-colored decks can create a sense of space and openness. They can visually expand the area, making it feel larger and more inviting.
4. Contrast: Light-colored decks can create a pleasing contrast with the natural surroundings, such as green lawns, gardens, or the blue sky. This contrast can enhance the aesthetic appeal of the outdoor space.
5. Design Versatility: Light wood colors can easily complement a wide range of design styles and outdoor decor. They provide a neutral backdrop that allows you to play with various colors and design elements.
6. Cooler Aesthetic: Light wood colors often evoke a coastal or beachy aesthetic, which many people find calming and inviting.

Garapa_ceiling

Light-colored wood can create a sense of expansiveness in spaces for several reasons:

1. Reflects light: Light-colored surfaces, including light wood, reflect more natural and artificial light. This reflection brightens up the space and makes it feel more open and airy. It helps reduce the need for additional lighting and contributes to a more inviting atmosphere. Enhances visibility: Light-colored wood provides a higher contrast against objects, furniture, and other elements in the space. This increased contrast makes objects and features stand out more, creating a perception of depth and spaciousness. And psychological effects: Light colors are often associated with feelings of serenity, calmness, and openness. These psychological effects can influence how people perceive and experience a space.

Choosing Garapa Wood for Your Project

Garapa is less dense than Ipe and Cumaru; however, it is still a tropical hardwood and falls within the high range of the Janka Hardness scale. The advantages of this wood are similar to those of other tropical hardwoods, and we can obtain them at a lower price.

To learn more about the products we offer, please contact us, email [email protected] or give us a call at
(877) 535-0926.