21 Dec Is Garapa Better Than Balau for Decking Use?
The most well-known hardwood options for decking are Garapa and Balau. These hardwoods are favoured for their sturdiness and elegance in outdoor living spaces, especially for builders or homeowners looking for a good balance of durability and aesthetic appeal. But choosing the right wood can be challenging when you are unsure which to opt for between Garapa and Balau.
That is why we compiled a comparison guide to show you why Garapa shines as the best choice for decking, helping you to choose wisely. Garapa.co.za offers durable Garapa decking in different sizes, which allows homeowners to find the perfect fit for their project. The deck oils, varnish, and cleaners available make it easier for you to care for your decks!
Comparing Garapa and Balau for Decking
Durability and Strength
Garapa and Balau are highly suitable for decking due to their robust and dense structure. Balau is celebrated for its ability to handle demanding conditions because of its extraordinary strength and natural resilience against decay and termites, which makes it great for decking. Meanwhile, Garapa hardwood offers builders and homeowners outstanding durability and weather resistance. This ensures that your deck will withstand wear and tear from foot traffic and outdoor challenges. Garapa decking creates a beautiful and durable deck and is highly durable.
Aesthetics
Looking for hardwood that will brighten your deck and give it a vibrant appearance? Garapa features a golden-yellow hue and smooth, uniform grain that transforms a deck into a welcoming atmosphere with attractive aesthetics. But if you prefer a deck with a darker reddish-brown tone, then Balau is the wood for you. Our guide to the different types of decking timber give you an idea of which is the better choice. It’s important to note that Balau’s colour can fade to grey with time, but it maintains a rugged looking appeal compared to Garapa’s fine and polished texture.
Maintenance Requirements
What makes Garapa special is that it doesn’t need regular upkeep because it’s exceptionally resistant to rot and insect damage. You will often need to apply a protective finish like sealing and oiling, such as Loba Deck Oil Transparent, to maintain your deck’s golden hue with minimal maintenance. Balau is also sturdy and durable but requires frequent upkeep, which can consist of sanding and sealing to protect your deck against splitting and to keep its rich colour.
Price Comparison
When it comes to costs, Balau is typically more expensive because of its high density. But Garapa is a great purchase due to its combination of durability and aesthetic appearance while being affordable.
Why Garapa is the Better Option for Your Deck
Our premium Garapa hardwood strikes a perfect balance between strength, attractive appearance, and simple upkeep, which makes it a top decking choice compared to Balau. Although Balau stands out for being strong and long lifespan, Garapa has excellent qualities that help protect your deck from shrinking or warping that can be caused by weather conditions. Also, our Garapa is much lighter to work with during installations!
Wanting a long-lasting and beautiful deck to relax on? CONTACT US for any decking materials enquiries, we are here to help you make the right choice for your outdoor project.