24 Feb Garapa Wood: Ideal Choice for Staircases & Balustrades
Garapa wood, or Brazilian Ash, originates from South America, more specifically Brazil. This hardwood is now being used more in construction and design because it is sustainably sourced and naturally resistant to the elements and insects. For all those handy professional carpenters & DIY home installers, Garapa.co.za only deals in the best quality Garapa.
Nothing gives more satisfaction than making something yourself and seeing it materialise. A deck adds beauty to a house and choosing a wood such as Garapa when looking at a deck project is ideal because the weather can wreak havoc on poorly sealed and treated wood.
For that very purpose, a precise choice of timber for your project is essential to be sure that your deck will withstand the test of time.
Features of Garapa Wood
- Durability: Natural resistance towards rotting, decay, and pests.
- Hardness & Strength: High-density wood that can withstand heavy foot traffic and pressure.
- Resistivity from Weather: It is superior even if used interior as well as exterior.
- Negligible upkeep: Requires low upkeep compared to less dense woods.
Do you know Garapa wood is suitable not only for decking? In the event you would wish to construct your deck higher up and include an extension that will necessitate balustrades or stairs, Garapa wood is best used to construct resilient and modern staircases and balustrades. Transform your space!
Why It’s Best for Staircases & Balustrades
- High Load-Bearing Capacity: Can handle weight and daily use without warping.
- Non-Slip Surface: Ideal for stair treads, especially when properly treated.
- Elegant Look: Provides a sophisticated touch to both modern and traditional designs.
- Longevity: Outlasts most other hardwoods where there is heavy traffic.
Garapa is a stunning hardwood with a treasure trove of character striping and colour range and will even weather to a soft silver hue if not treated. Its smooth finish and golden yellow to brown colour make it an instant favourite for those who like light-coloured timber.
Aesthetic Appeal
- Colour & Grain: Stunning golden to honey-brown colour that darkens with age.
- Smooth Finish: Can readily accept finishes and stains, or stay untreated for an organic appearance.
- Consistency: Uniform in texture with an even grain pattern, thus visually appealing.
Installation & Maintenance
The installation of Garapa wood for staircases and balustrades should be well-planned to ensure it becomes stable and long-lasting. Pre-drilling when screwing is also advised so that it won’t split, and stainless-steel screws will not stain or corrode. For a smooth surface, the surface should be sanded and a UV-protective oil applied to make it stronger, particularly when installed outdoors.
Garapa wood is easy to maintain. Regular soap and water cleaning keeps it free of dirt and debris, and periodic resealing keeps it full of colour and weather-tight. Left untreated, the wood will patina to a silvery-grey finish over time, which some homeowners find appealing. A weather-resilient sealant applied every year can preserve its natural golden colour.
Sustainability & Environmental Impact
Garapa hardwood comes from sustainably harvested forests, so it is a more sustainable option than some of the tropical woods. Also, because it is naturally resistant to insects and rot, Garapa does not need chemical treatments, so it has a lesser environmental impact. Using Garapa for staircases and balustrades gives not only a hard-wearing, superior-quality material but also supports green construction methods.
Review our range of high-quality Garapa hardwood and contact our team today if you want to construct world-class, high-end durable decks, pergolas, staircases or balustrades anywhere in the Western or Southern Cape.