Caring and Maintenance Tips for Garapa Decking

Posted by ABS Wood on October 16th, 2017

Chosen for its light color, Garapa wood is a popular choice for decking. The natural characteristics of the wood lend it a light hue, with brown streaks. In combination with other wood, it can make your decking look exquisitely attractive and soothing. With naturally resistant qualities, it can combat WDOs without the use of preservatives or treatment. However, as with all other wood, it requires to be maintained periodically to ensure that it lasts long. Here are a few tips that you need to know to maintain your garapa decking better. 

Avoid using high pressure washers to clean garapa decking 

A simple and easy cleaning option is to use water and mild soap to clean garapa decks. It does not call for the use of high pressure washers. Using pressure may result in the surface losing its even nature. IT will result in a worn out look that will deteriorate over time. It is essential to clean surfaces with the right substances and in the right method. 

Remove stains only with recommended cleaners 

If stubborn stains persist and are quired to be lifted off garapa decking, then a recommended cleaner can be used. Cleaners that are used on garapa or any wood for that matter should be recommended for use. Using other unknown substances or liquids that are not recommended may end up damaging the surface of the garapa. Some stains may require the use of specialized stain lifters which are commonly available. 

Remove silver weather beaten look with combination brighteners 

Over time, wood will get a weathered appearance with a silver or gray look. The wood can be restored to its natural appearance through the use of brighteners.  They are essentially a combination of cleansers and brighteners. The right combination, recommended for use with Garapa will lift the silver or gray look and restore garapa decking to natural wood finish.  

Garapa wood complements other wood to give a fabulous finish to decking. They make perfect handrails and posts. It is essential that the garapa wood that goes into the making of visually appealing decking, is maintained periodically. Stains are to be removed at the earliest, before they reach a stage where it becomes more difficult to lift them. Cleaning materials should never be replaced with substandard substances. Typically, Garapa is expected to last more than twenty five years. This depends to a large extent on how well it’s maintained. 

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.