How Garapa Makes the Perfect Long-Lasting Deck?

Posted by ABS Wood on September 21st, 2017

Residents of the Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) opt for hardwood decking in their homes over softwood decking, due to many reasons. The reasons are a good indication of the superior quality of hardwood and the value it brings to outdoor decking.  Take a look at the reasons that make Garapa, one of the best hardwood, the ideal choice for that long lasting deck. 

Hardwood vs softwood 

Hardwood timber is sourced from slow growing trees often referred to as broadleaved trees. Apart from taking a longer time to mature into lumber, hardwoods offer greater resilience in the face of the vagaries of nature. Unlike, other requirements for timber in households, decking will remain exposed to the open all through the year day in and day out. This makes it all more important to opt for hardwood that would handle all seasons with ease.  On the other hand, softwood would fare poorly in the face of constant onslaught of the elements of nature. Softwood are meant for different purposes, and would make a poor choice for decking material. 

Greater durability of Garapa 

Garapa is naturally scratch resistant which actually permits the surface of the deck to retain its smooth appearance for many years. Its high resistance to daily wear and tear makes it the ideal decking material. Garapa also features a Class-A fire rating in addition to natural resistance to water, rot, decay, fungus and termites. It actually boasts of more than thirty years in terms of lifespan without the need for preservatives. Garapa scores a healthy 2280 on the Janka hardness scale rendering it harder than maple at1450 and oak at 1360. 

Offers reasonable workability to fetch desired appearance 

Despite its hardness and density, Garapa is fairly easy to work on. It actually glues very well with the right substance, and offers a great finish under the right tools and hands. It is stable after gluing, thereby offering greater dimensional stability. Decking finishers are unanimous in their opinion that Garapa offers the right kind of resistance to sawing, nailing and screwing, making it one of the best materials to work on.  

Ideal color to go on decking surfaces 

Garapa Wood comes in the most exotic hues ranging from golden to honey-yellowish that turns a beautiful russet golden brown color on exposure to sunlight. The wood acquires an elegant and rich aspect on weathering with age. The gradual coloring of the wood lends a fabulous appearance, which can be maintained easily. Depending on the intensity of the light, the appearance and texture stand out in attractive hues.  

This fine grained timber, native to the South American forests is the natural choice for all outdoor decking needs. It lends great elegance to the spaces, while maintaining the stunning appearance throughout its extended lifespan. The nature of the wood makes it easy to maintain and is a combatant by default, warding off insects and the elements of nature admirably. It retains shape through its lifecycle and helps elevate appearance with great functionality. 

About the Author: 

This article is written by Bruce Master. He gained an interest in woodworking at an early age. Bruce Master started working with contractors in the 1970s as a salesman at Ace Hardware in Miami. Over the years, he discovered and fell in love with Brazilian woods. He has built decks, docks and specialty items using many of the Brazilian woods. Today, Bruce loves his job as Operations Manager for ABS Wood, a Brazilian wood retailer.