Still can’t decide on what material to pick for your deck project? While some might opt for cedar or ipe, that could run to quite a lot of money. If you haven’t got deep pockets, this could pose a problem for you. However, one low cost solution to your problem is to go for garapa wood decking instead of something that costs as much as an arm and a leg.

Garapa Basics

Garapa wood is usually recognized for its yellowish brown color. That color, though, gets darker as the wood ages. The grain or texture is often straight.

Rot-Resistant: As a hardwood, it’s also known to be rot-resistant. That’s a plus point, of course. Rot-resistant wood is tougher and more durable, after all. However, you’ll need to have that garapa wood chemically treated to make sure it’s safe from termites. That’s a precautionary measure you’ll thank yourself for later, especially if termite or insect attacks do happen.

Workability: In terms of workability, garapa is easy enough a material to use considering the density of the wood. It’s also easy to glue. Applying finishes onto the wood is also simple enough. Unlike other types of hardwood, it has no particular odor so you won’t have to use detergents to eliminate the odor from your new deck.

Allergies: However, while cases have been rare, garapa is also a possible skin irritant in some cases. So if you see anyone in your family suffer from the condition and it doesn’t seem related to any other cause, it could be because of your newly-installed garapa wood decking. If that’s the case, you’ll need to have the deck chemically treated. That or consult a wood expert to know more of your options on how you could keep it from causing allergies.

Pricing: Compared to other imported hardwood types, garapa wood decking won’t cost as much as ipe, redwood or cedar but provide you with many of the advantages of picking wood over lumber composites or a plastic deck.

So if you’re looking for an alternative to ipe lumber, then going for a garapa deck won’t hurt. This way, you can enjoy a lot of the benefits that come with a wood deck without having to drain your budget just to get it. In this day and age, it pays to be practical and creative in finding the right solutions to work for you even if it just means getting your wood decks at the right price.