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Garapa Deck Installation Guide
Everything you need to install Garapa (Brazilian Ash) decking — joist spacing, board gaps, acclimation, fastener rules, pre-drilling, and species-specific tips.
Janka Hardness
1,630 lbf
Fire Rating
Class A
Lifespan
30+ years
Density
50 lbs/ft³
Garapa Wood Properties for Installation
Pre-Drilling
Recommended — easier than denser species but still beneficial
Workability
Easier — lower density makes cutting and fastening simpler
Color
Light golden-blonde. Stays cooler in sunlight than darker woods. Weathers to silver-gray.
Tannin Bleed
Minimal tannin bleed.
Blade Note
Standard carbide-tipped blades work well. Less tool wear than Ipe.
Joist Spacing for Garapa Decking
Board Spacing for Garapa
Between Boards
3/32" to 1/8" — Garapa has higher shrinkage than denser species
End Gap (Structures)
1/8" to 3/16" from fixed structures
Airflow Under Joists
18" minimum unobstructed air under joists
How to Acclimate Garapa Before Installation
Allow 7 days for Garapa to acclimate to your local climate before installation. Store boards on blocks at least 12" off the ground with proper ventilation between layers. Cover with plywood — never plastic or tarps.
Climate Note
Garapa's light color and lower density make it popular for warm, sunny climates where heat is a concern. In harsh freeze-thaw climates, allow wider gaps to accommodate higher movement.
Fasteners for Garapa Decking
- Fastener type: Stainless steel only (304 or 316 grade).
- Edge distance: 3/4" minimum from board edges
- Pre-drilling: Recommended — easier than denser species but still beneficial
Garapa Installation Tips
Allow slightly wider gaps than Ipe — Garapa has higher shrinkage rates
Pre-drill to prevent splitting, especially near board ends
Apply UV oil promptly if you want to maintain the golden color
Seal end cuts within 24 hours
Garapa's light color stays cooler — ideal for pool decks
Easier to work with than Ipe — good for DIY installers
Common Garapa Installation Mistakes
Not accounting for higher shrinkage — boards need wider gaps than Ipe
Expecting Ipe-level hardness — Garapa dents more easily in high-traffic areas
Skipping UV oil — Garapa fades to gray faster than darker species
Insufficient acclimation
Not sealing end grain
Using galvanized fasteners
Build Your Custom Installation Plan
Get a printable, jobsite-ready plan with fastener spacing, joist layout, and climate-specific guidance.
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Garapa Installation FAQ
Common questions about installing Garapa decking.
For 1×4 and 1×6 Garapa boards, maximum joist spacing is 16" on center max. For 5/4×6, you can go up to 24" on center max. For 2×6, up to 32" on center max. Always verify with your local building code.
Recommended — easier than denser species but still beneficial. Garapa has a Janka hardness of 1,630 lbf, which makes it essential to pre-drill to prevent splitting and broken fastener heads. Use brad point or Forstner drill bits for the cleanest holes.
Allow 7 days for Garapa to acclimate to your local climate. Store on blocks 12" off the ground with proper ventilation. Cover with plywood (NOT tarps or plastic). For a customized estimate, use our Acclimation Calculator.
Stainless steel only (304 or 316 grade). Never use galvanized fasteners with Garapa — they cause black staining and corrosion. For a clean look, use pregrooved Garapa boards with hidden fastener clips.
Leave 3/32" to 1/8" — Garapa has higher shrinkage than denser species between Garapa boards for ventilation and expansion/contraction. Leave 1/8" to 3/16" from fixed structures from fixed structures like walls or posts.
Garapa decking can last 30+ years outdoors with proper installation and minimal maintenance. It's Class Class A fire rated and naturally resistant to rot, decay, and insects.
Garapa requires more care than softwood or composite due to its density (1,630 lbf Janka). Easier — lower density makes cutting and fastening simpler. With the right tools (carbide-tipped blades, stainless steel fasteners) and pre-drilling, both DIYers and contractors install Garapa successfully.