Garapa Decking
Garapa Decking is a beautiful and cost-effective hardwood decking option, ideal for outdoor spaces in New Zealand. Known for its light golden color and fine grain, Garapa is a durable choice that offers both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting performance.
What is Garapa Decking?
- Description: Garapa, also known as Brazilian Ash, is a dense and naturally durable hardwood sourced from the tropical forests of South America. Its consistent golden colour and straight grain make it a visually appealing alternative to more common hardwoods. Garapa’s fine texture and natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects make it particularly suitable for exterior decking.
- Origin: Garapa is native to South America, where it is sustainably harvested from tropical forests.
- Botanical Information: Garapa belongs to the species Apuleia leiocarpa.
Garapa Decking
Benefits of Garapa Decking
Durability:
Classified as a Class 2 durable hardwood, Garapa is naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insect attacks. Its dense structure ensures longevity, even in challenging outdoor conditions.
Aesthetic Appeal:
Garapa’s light golden colour and fine grain provide a beautiful, smooth finish that enhances any decking project. The wood’s lighter colour also keeps it cooler underfoot, making it comfortable for outdoor use in direct sunlight.
Stability:
Garapa is a stable hardwood with little tendency to splinter or move, ensuring that your decking remains smooth and intact over time.
Eco-Friendliness:
JSC's Premium Garapa is FSC® certified (FSC Licence Code - C003608), meaning it is sourced from responsibly managed forests, supporting sustainable building practices.
Garapa Decking
Technical Specifications
Sizes and Profiles:
Garapa decking is available in widths of 90x19mm and 140x19mm with larger sizes available by request.
Density and Strength:
Garapa has an air-dry density of approximately 900 kg/m³, a Modulus of Rupture of 128 MPa, and a Janka hardness of 7.3 kN, making it a robust choice for decking.
Maintenance Requirements:
Garapa’s naturally durable surface requires minimal maintenance, with regular cleaning and occasional re-coating recommended to maintain its appearance and longevity.
Garapa Decking
Installation Guidelines
Preparation:
Ensure the decking site is well-prepared, with proper ventilation and moisture control. Store the Garapa boards in a dry, covered area until ready for installation.
Fixings:
Use stainless steel screws and pre-drill all fixing holes to minimise the risk of splitting. Proper spacing is essential to maintain the deck's structural integrity and prevent warping.
Ventilation:
Adequate air circulation beneath the decking is crucial to extend the life of your Garapa deck and prevent issues like cupping.
Our sales and technical team are happy to provide further guidance to ensure accurate and proper installation of this product. Flick us an email or give us a call.
Maintenance Tips
- Cleaning: Clean your Garapa deck annually using a soft brush and mild detergent. Avoid high-pressure washing to protect the wood’s surface..
- Re-coating: To preserve the deck’s natural beauty and extend its lifespan, apply a high-quality penetrating clear oil as needed, following a thorough cleaning.
Cost Considerations
Garapa decking offers an excellent balance between cost and durability. While it is a premium hardwood, its long lifespan and low maintenance needs make it a great value for homeowners and builders alike.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
About Garapa decking
Hardwood decking should be cleaned annually. Use a soft brush with water and mild detergent. Do not direct high pressure water on any part of the hardwood timber. Where a coating is applied, periodic recoating is required to ensure its integrity is sustained. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding hardwood chemical runoff. The amount and characteristics of the runoff will depend on the species, dryness of the boards when installed and how exposed the deck is to the weather.
Regular cleaning and periodic re-coating with a penetrating oil are recommended to maintain the deck's appearance and longevity.
Garapa offers a more cost-effective alternative to other hardwoods while still providing excellent durability and aesthetic appeal.
Yes, JSC’s Premium Garapa is FSC® certified, ensuring that it comes from responsibly managed forests.