Frequently Asked Questions

Garapa is a Brazilian hardwood that originates from South America. It’s incredibly durable, high-density, and has a beautiful colour that ranges from light yellow to deep golden brown. This wood is mostly used in building and construction projects for various structures, such as decking, fencing, cladding, furniture, flooring, and more. The Brazilian Ash has a fine-to-medium texture and straight grain, which makes it fairly easy to work with and well-suited for both interior and exterior works.

Yes, Garapa is a reliable option for decking in South Africa and is commonly considered as a high-quality hardwood trusted for its performance. This timber is less prone to cupping, twisting, and excessive movement when exposed to South Africa’s changing moisture levels and temperature fluctuations.

Garapa is an extremely durable wood that delivers excellent performance in harsh outdoor conditions. Its dense structure allows it to highly resist wear and tear. This is why it’s mostly used for exterior applications.

Yes, just like many hardwoods, Garapa decking needs regular maintenance to keep its charming appearance and extend its longevity. Although it’s naturally strong, periodic upkeep like cleaning and oiling helps maintain its yellow-golden colour and protect the surface against weather exposure. Without routine maintenance, the timber will still be structurally stable but will gradually change from its original look.

It’s often advised applying treatment or to oil Garapa decking every six to 12 months based on its exposure to rain, sunlight, and foot traffic. But decking in coastal environments or areas with intense sun may need to be treated more frequently to preserve its colour and surface finish.

Yes, this hardwood develops its natural colour over time. Garapa has a rich golden hue when it’s properly maintained and newly installed, but it will slowly weather into a silver-grey finish because of exposure to UV rays, especially when it’s left untreated. But this process naturally happens and does not impact the structural integrity or lifespan of the timber.

Garapa has a strong decay resistance rating throughout the wood fibres. Its compact structure and natural oils make it more resistant to termite and insect attacks than softwoods like pine. This makes it a perfect choice for outdoor applications in different climates.

Yes, Garapa wood is used extensively for various structural purposes like frames, pergolas, and balustrades, because it can handle heavy loads and maintains its dimensional stability over time. It also has impressive outdoor durability.

Garapa and Balau are well-suited for decking because of their strong and dense structure. Balau is preferred in construction due to its denser grain, darker appearance, and natural resilience to deterioration, while Garapa being favoured for more uniform aesthetics and unique weather resistance qualities. These hardwoods both offer outstanding durability when properly cared for.

Garapa timber is typically more budget-friendly when compared to other premium hardwoods like Teak and Ipe. It also combines affordability, toughness, and visual appeal, which makes it a great option for home and commercial decking projects.

Garapa decking can get warm when directly exposed to sunlight, but its light, golden-yellow hue helps it retain less heat compared to darker wood alternatives. This makes it stay comfortable underfoot in the sun.

Garapa decking can last for 15 to 25 years or more when it’s properly installed and regularly maintained.

This timber is workable but due to its density, proper tools need to be used for cutting and shaping. It’s important to pre-drill to prevent it from splitting and use steel fasteners to guarantee lasting performance.

The best finish for Garapa decking is high-grade penetrating oil with UV protection like Loba Decking Oil Transparent. This helps to nourish outdoor wood and keep its natural tones while shielding it from moisture accumulation and UV exposure.

Yes, Garapa is a smart choice for pools and patio installations. Due to its toughness and exceptional resistance to dampness that might be caused by occasional water exposure. Its uniform finish also makes it ideal for spaces with high foot traffic.

This durable timber is less likely to warp, or crack compared to other wood choices. But it’s essential to frequently inspect the surface or any minor issues that might arise and attend to them immediately.

Garapa comes in a 19×90 and 19×140 profiles, consisting of different dimensions based on thickness and width, perfect for both residential and commercial applications. Its versatility in size and high grades makes it a good option for various outdoor projects.

Yes, Garapa is highly considered as an eco-friendly decking option because it’s sustainably harvested from responsibly managed forests.

Garapa performs exceptionally in the coastal climate of South Africa due to its natural resistance properties to weather elements. This timber can handle moisture, salty air and humidity that affect building materials in coastal regions thanks to its natural oils.

Pros of Garapa Hardwood:

• Garapa timber’s incredible durability and longevity protect it against damage that other woods are exposed to like wear and dents.
• This hardwood is low-maintenance due to its natural oils and dense grain that prevent it from absorbing water easily. You only need to frequently clean Garapa with water and mild soap to maintain its look, so there’s no need to fret about regular sealing and constant upkeep of your decking surfaces.
• Garapa wood features a compact cellular structure, which ensures a strong resistance to moisture and insect infestation.

Cons of Garapa Hardwood:

• Garapa’s natural bright hue gradually deepens into a rich amber over time. But without regular maintenance it may fade to a silver-grey.
• Although Garapa is tough against scratches, it may be a bit challenging during the installation process due to its heaviness and hardness. So, you need to have proper cutting and drilling tools.
• To avoid splintering risks, you need to apply the correct sealants and perform minimal routine upkeep, especially on Garapa decking. Weathering or heavy foot traffic can cause it to develop splinters over time if it’s not well-finished.