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How Much Does Garapa Siding Cost Installed?
2026 guide to Garapa (Brazilian Ash) siding costs — the most affordable exotic hardwood cladding. Real pricing with regional labor rates.
$14–$32
per sq ft installed
$4–$8
material only / SF
75+
year Ipe lifespan
Garapa Siding Cost Installed — Quick Answer
The total cost is $14 to $32 per square foot fully installed in 2026, depending on your location, project complexity, and contractor experience. Material alone runs $4–$8/SF. Labor rates vary significantly by region — from $35/hr in lower-cost areas to $150/hr in major metro markets like San Francisco and New York City.
Compare Material Costs by Species
Live material pricing from our catalog. Select a species to see how it affects total installed cost for your siding.
Material Cost
$18–$18
per sq ft (from our catalog)
Total Installed Estimate
$27–$44
per sq ft (material + labor)
Ipe Lifespan
Up to 75+
years · Janka 3,680 lbf
| Board Size | Profile | Price/LF | Price/SF |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ipe 1x6 | Shiplap | $8.25 | $18.00 |
| Ipe 1x6 | T&G | $8.25 | $18.00 |
Siding Cost Breakdown
Here's where your money goes when building your siding. Each component contributes to the total installed price per square foot.
Garapa Siding Material
$4–$8/SF
Most affordable exotic hardwood siding. Shiplap and T&G profiles.
Furring & Moisture Barrier
$2–$4/SF
Rain screen furring, house wrap, and flashing.
Stainless Fasteners
$1–$2/SF
Stainless steel finish nails or screws.
Installation Labor
$7–$18/SF
Easier to work with than Ipe. Still requires pre-drilling.
Siding Installation Labor Costs by Region
Contractor rates for hardwood siding installation vary significantly by region. Here's what to expect across the U.S.
San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Seattle, LA, DC
Contractor rate
$75–$150/hr
Total installed/SF
$19–$34
Denver, Austin, Portland, Miami, Chicago, San Diego
Contractor rate
$55–$100/hr
Total installed/SF
$16–$27
Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas, Nashville, Raleigh, Charlotte
Contractor rate
$45–$80/hr
Total installed/SF
$15–$24
Houston, Tampa, Indianapolis, Kansas City, Oklahoma City
Contractor rate
$35–$65/hr
Total installed/SF
$13–$22
Note: Rates above reflect general contractor pricing for experienced hardwood installers. Ipe requires specialized skills — pre-drilling, carbide tooling, and heavier handling — so rates are typically 15–25% higher than softwood or composite installation. Always get 3+ quotes from contractors with tropical hardwood experience.
Real-World Siding Cost Examples
Here's what real projects typically cost based on size and location. Use these as a ballpark for your budget.
Accent Wall
200 SF · Single story
fully installed
Golden accent wall. Bright, contemporary aesthetic.
Garage Exterior
500 SF · Single story
fully installed
Full exterior cladding at a budget-friendly price.
Full Home
1,500 SF · Two story
fully installed
Complete home siding with Garapa. Major savings vs Ipe or Cumaru.
Why Choose This Species for Your Siding?
Most affordable exotic hardwood siding option
30+ year lifespan — roughly double cedar siding
Beautiful golden blonde color — bright and modern
1,510 Janka — harder than cedar, redwood, and pine
No painting or staining required
Naturally rot and insect resistant
Lighter color reflects heat — stays cooler than dark woods
Cedar alternative with better longevity
While premium hardwood costs more upfront than cedar, pressure-treated pine, or composite, the decades-long lifespan means you'll likely never replace it. Over 50 years, the lifecycle cost is often lower than materials that need replacement every 10–20 years.
Garapa Siding: Cedar Alternative with Better Longevity
Garapa siding offers a compelling upgrade from cedar at a comparable price point. The golden color creates a bright, contemporary look while delivering 30+ year durability — roughly double cedar's lifespan.
For profiles, browse our Garapa siding page or see all siding options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pricing Disclaimer
All costs on this page are estimates based on national averages and are provided for general budgeting purposes only. They are not quotes and do not constitute an offer or guarantee of pricing. Actual costs vary significantly based on your geographic location, project complexity, site conditions, material selections, contractor experience, and current market rates.
Contractor rates span a wide range. You may find less experienced installers who charge below the ranges shown — but Ipe is an extremely dense hardwood that requires specialized skills, carbide tooling, and pre-drilling. Hiring someone without tropical hardwood experience can result in costly mistakes, material waste, and a finished product that doesn't perform to its potential. Conversely, a world-class craftsman with decades of hardwood experience may charge above the ranges shown, and the quality of their work is often worth the premium.
Labor rates are influenced by local cost of living, seasonal demand, contractor availability, union vs. non-union markets, and the complexity of your specific project (elevation, stairs, curves, railing, access constraints, etc.). Regional ranges shown are illustrative and may not reflect current conditions in your area.
We strongly recommend getting at least three written quotes from contractors with verified tropical hardwood installation experience. Ipe Woods USA provides material only — we do not perform installation and are not responsible for labor pricing or contractor selection. Always verify contractor licensing, insurance, and references before hiring.
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