All types of Brazilian hardwoods make wonderful decks and boat docks. Choosing the one you want to use depends upon how the color and grain will look for your completed project. You should choose the hardwood based upon the color that bests complements your home or other location where it is going to be installed. One way to help you decide is to obtain one of our free sample kits, which include Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, and Garapa, as well as other wood samples.
Deciding which wood best complements your home depends upon the color of your house, shutters, and any fencing. For instance, if you have colored siding that is not white or beige, you might want to use Garapa wood, also known as Brazilian Oak. This type of decking provides a lighter color deck with a fine grain honey-yellow timber with streaks of ribbons and brown in some of the boards. With age and exposure to the sun, the decking changes into a beautiful russet golden brown color. However, you are able to preserve the original color by applying the appropriate UV protectant prior to building your deck.
Garapa includes many natural resistance features, so you do not have to worry about it rotting, becoming infested with insects, or decaying. This type of decking has a 25+ year lifespan, without using any preservatives or protectants. The Janka hardness rating for Brazilian Oak is 2,280 pounds, making it harder than hard maple, with a Janka rating of 1,450 pounds, or Oak, with a Janka rating of 1,360.