12 Apr Is Garapa Wood a Good Choice for Commercial Spaces?
Trees in the South American tropical rainforest are felled for Garapa, or Brazilian Ash which is a naturally hard and dense Brazilian wood. Garapa wood has a honey brown or golden colour, a fine grain pattern, and when exposed to the elements, the wood weathers to a greyish or silvery colour.
Is Garapa Durable?
Hardwoods like Garapa grow slower than softwoods and might have to dry. But they are stronger and more resistant than softwoods, like pine, fir, and spruce. Maple, oak, teak, and ipe are some of the other hardwoods. These woods are of better quality and scratch and dent-resistant. They’re also more fireproof and can withstand harsher weather conditions than softwood. So, hardwood is better for flooring.
Garapa’s Janka hardness of 1,650 lbf, or roughly 25% harder than Red Oak, is a rating of its wear and indentation resistance. Janka hardness rating is a wood species’ test of wear resistance based on the force required to drive a half-diameter steel ball into a sample of wood. The higher the rating, the harder the wood.
Its natural hardness and density deter heavy foot traffic, wear and tear, and thus perfect for pedestrian zones and high-traffic zones such as decks.
Can It Be Used in Indoor & Outdoor Commercial Spaces?
Garapa wood works equally well in indoor and outdoor commercial spaces and thus can prove to be a great option for commercial buildings.
Traditionally considered an outdoor hardwood, Garapa is marketed and utilised most frequently for:
- Decking
- Cladding
- Outdoor furnishings
- Pergolas and facades
Garapa is hard and very dense, great for durability but extremely challenging to work with for interior use. It’s not as forgiving as other softer hardwoods commonly used indoors on floors or furniture such as oak or maple. However, Garapa can definitely be used indoors – particularly in high foot traffic areas where durability is the number one priority.
With the proper installation and finishings, Garapa may be useful for:
- Flooring
- Stair treads
- Accent walls
- High-traffic thresholds
Indoors, its fine grain and high resistance to wear can tolerate heavy foot traffic, and it’s well suited for malls, offices, and lobby floors. Outdoors, Garapa’s natural insect resistance, UV stability, and moisture resistance make it a great choice for restaurant patios, pool decks, or outdoor dining areas. Although it can be left to weather naturally to a silvery-grey patina, occasional oiling will maintain it in its golden hue – perfect for companies that desire to maintain a luxurious or upscale appearance.
How Long Does Garapa Last, and Does It Require Maintenance?
Garapa wood is inherently low-maintenance in structural strength, which makes it a great option for commercial environments needing durability without constant maintenance. However, aesthetically, there is some maintenance suggested based on the desired appearance. Without oiling Garapa, it acquires a silver-grey patina with time, which can be used to create a rustic, natural appearance suitable for casual or outdoor commercial environments.
For brand-forward environments that focus on a premium appearance like boutique hotels, high-end restaurants, or retail outlets, periodic oiling every 6 to 12 months is recommended to keep its rich golden colour and highlight the grain. In the end, the maintenance level depends on the look you want to convey to your customers or clients.
Is It a Worthwhile Investment?
Garapa wood is more cost-effective for commercial applications, particularly when mass usage is considered. Although the initial cost might be a bit more than some softwoods, its proven durability and low maintenance needs make it a cost-effective long-term investment. Companies have fewer replacements and repairs in the long term, which is particularly well worth it in high-traffic settings.
This wood is traditionally responsibly harvested from renewable resources, which is why it is an attractive choice for environmentally aware brands that wish to combine their material choice with eco-friendly values. With the added bonus of its long lifespan, low maintenance requirements, and environmental-friendly reputation, Garapa is certainly a smart, stylish, and practical option for commercial applications.
Its natural hardness, wear and rot resistance, and low-maintenance characteristics make it perfect for high-traffic spaces for both interior and exterior applications. Whether you’re building a high-end restaurant deck, hotel lobby, or upscale shopping area, Garapa gets it done and delivers on longevity without compromising on aesthetics. In general, Garapa is an investment that any commercial structure would want for its classic style and durability.
Want to elevate your business premise with a material that’s stylish, smart, and long-lasting? Contact our experts at Garapa.co.za today and discover how Garapa wood can benefit your next commercial endeavour.