1x6 Garapa Tongue & Groove Decking board profile diagram
Decking

1x6 Garapa Tongue & Groove Decking

This 1x6 Garapa decking board (Tongue & Groove profile) pairs the proven outdoor performance of Garapa (Brazilian Ash) with a 1,650 Janka hardness rating — one of the hardest commercially available woods on earth. The interlocking tongue and groove profile creates tight, seamless joints for exterior decks, patios, and pool surrounds, with no visible fasteners on the finished surface. In stock and ships nationwide — order 1x6 Garapa decking boards online or call 1-844-674-4455 for expert guidance.

1 x 6(0.75"×5.5" actual)[19.0mm × 139.7mm]
Contractor Trusted
Expert Backed
Ships Nationwide
SKU: GARA-1X6-TG-SB-L1

Configure Your Order

Select profile, grade, and length below to see live pricing

Superior Strength and Durability for Decking Applications

T&G

Select and Better is our standard grade

Length Guide

Available lengths: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22′

Estimated Shipping Weight
Weight per linear foot:2.01 lbs/LF
1' board:2.0 lbs

1x6 Garapa T&G Decking — Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about t&g garapa decking

About 1x6 Garapa Tongue & Groove Decking

Garapa is a premium hardwood known for its exceptional strength, durability, and resistance to harsh weather conditions, making it an ideal choice for decking applications. The tongue-and-groove profile enhances the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of the deck, providing a seamless, professional look while ensuring secure fastening between boards without visible fasteners, resulting in a cleaner appearance.

  • High strength-to-weight ratio for reliable use
  • Exceptional durability against weathering and wear
  • Tongue-and-groove design for a flawless finish and ease of installation
  • Natural resistance to rot and insects
  • Attractive grain patterns and warm color tones

Key Benefits

Exceptional Durability

Garapa decking offers superior resistance to weathering, making it a long-lasting choice for outdoor applications.

Low Maintenance

This hardwood requires minimal upkeep, saving both time and effort in the long term.

Beautiful Appearance

Garapa features an attractive grain with warm tones, enhancing the visual appeal of any deck.

Technical Specifications

Janka Hardness

1650

Density

53 lbs/ft³

Durability Rating

Very durable - Class 1

Dimensional Stability

Excellent dimensional stability with minimal shrinkage and expansion.

Installation Guide

Difficulty:
Moderate

Key Tips:

  • Ensure proper ventilation underneath the decking to allow for airflow.
  • Leave adequate expansion gaps between boards during installation to accommodate for changes in moisture.
  • Use a high-quality wood adhesive in conjunction with concealed fasteners for a secure fit.

Recommended Tools:

Torpedo level
Circular saw
T18 drill for fasteners
Measuring tape

Maintenance & Care

Cleaning

Regularly sweep and wash the deck with mild soap and water to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime.

Finishing

Apply a penetrating oil finish annually to enhance color and protect from UV damage.

Weathering

Garapa will naturally silver over time when left untreated, but maintaining a finish will preserve its original golden hue.

1x6 Garapa Tongue & Groove Decking — Frequently Asked Questions

A 1x6 Garapa board weighs approximately 2.01 lbs per linear foot. Garapa has a density of about 52 lbs/ft³, making it one of the densest commercially available hardwoods. A 12-foot 1x6 Garapa board weighs approximately 18 lbs. Always factor weight into your structural and shipping calculations.

1x6 Garapa decking has an expected service life of up to 30+ years when properly installed. This is 3-5× longer than pressure-treated pine and 2-3× longer than cedar. Garapa achieves this exceptional longevity through its 1,650 Janka hardness and Class 1 durability rating, providing built-in resistance to rot, decay, insects, and fungal growth without chemical preservatives.

1x6 Garapa decking pricing varies by profile, grade, and board length. Select and Better grade boards typically range from $4-$12 per linear foot before shipping. While the upfront cost is higher than pressure-treated lumber, Garapa's up to 30+-year service life makes the lifetime cost per year significantly lower. Use the configurator above for exact pricing, or request a custom quote for large orders.

Yes — 1x6 Garapa wood decking outperforms composite in hardness (1,650 vs ~200 Janka), lifespan (up to 30+ years vs 25-30 years), and heat resistance. Unlike composites, Garapa won't melt, warp in extreme heat, or fade significantly. While initial cost is similar ($8-15/LF installed), Garapa wood decking costs less over its much longer lifetime. Composites do offer lower upfront maintenance, but Garapa's natural beauty and durability make it the superior long-term investment.

Garapa is widely considered one of the best woods for 1x6 decking boards. With a 1,650 Janka hardness rating, Class A fire-rated certification, and up to 30+-year lifespan, Garapa (Brazilian Ash) outperforms nearly every other commercially available wood species. Other excellent options include Cumaru (Brazilian Teak) and Massaranduba (Brazilian Redwood), but Garapa remains the industry benchmark for premium outdoor hardwood applications.

Garapa requires minimal maintenance. Without treatment, it naturally weathers to an elegant silver-gray patina over 6-12 months. To maintain the original warm brown color, apply a UV-inhibiting penetrating oil (like Ipe Oil or Penofin) once or twice annually. Cleaning involves periodic washing with a mild soap solution. No sanding, staining, or sealing is required for structural durability.

Garapa is DIY-friendly with proper preparation. Key requirements: (1) Always pre-drill all screw holes — Garapa is too hard for direct screwing. (2) Use only 305 or 316 stainless steel fasteners — standard hardware will corrode and stain. (3) Face-screw with stainless steel trim-head screws. (4) Allow boards to acclimate on-site for 5-7 days before installation. A compound miter saw with a carbide-tipped blade is recommended.

A nominal 1x6 Garapa board has actual finished dimensions of 0.75" × 5.5" (19.0 x 139.7 mm). The "1x6" is the nominal (rough-cut) size — after kiln drying and precision surfacing, all hardwood lumber finishes slightly smaller. This is standard across the lumber industry, similar to how a nominal 2×4 softwood measures 1.5" × 3.5". Always use the actual dimensions (0.75" × 5.5") when calculating material quantities and coverage for your project.

We responsibly, legally, and ethically source all our Garapa. We work only with suppliers who follow responsible forestry practices with full chain-of-custody transparency. Note: We are not FSC certified. Garapa trees grow naturally in diverse tropical forests and regenerate well under managed harvest. The extremely long lifespan (up to 30+ years) means fewer replacements compared to softwood or composite alternatives, reducing long-term environmental impact.

Shipping & Delivery

Nationwide delivery: We ship to all 50 states via LTL freight, flatbed, or terminal pickup

Typical lead time: 5-10 business days for standard orders (custom milling may add 2-3 weeks)

Shipping estimate: Final freight cost calculated at checkout based on your location and order size

Rush service available: Contact us for expedited milling and shipping options

1x6 Garapa Tongue & Groove Decking — Complete Buyer's Guide

Garapa, also known as Brazilian Ash, is a premium tropical hardwood sourced from South America (Brazil, Suriname, Guyana). With a Janka hardness rating of 1,650 lbf and a density of 53 lbs/ft³, Garapa is classified as Class 2 - Durable — one of the most durable commercial lumber species available. The heartwood exhibits blonde to golden yellow, darkening to honey amber with interlocked grain, medium texture, creating a striking natural appearance that improves with age.

Why Choose 1x6 Garapa Wood for Your Deck?

Garapa decking delivers a naturally slip-resistant, splinter-free surface that stays cool underfoot even in direct sunlight. Unlike composite or pressure-treated alternatives, it never fades to a dull gray unless you want the natural silver patina look. Properly installed 1x6 Garapa decking delivers a service life of 30+ years with minimal maintenance — an optional annual oil treatment preserves the original color, or you can let the Garapa wood weather to a distinguished silver-gray patina. Garapa carries a Class A - Low flame spread, making it suitable for wildfire-prone regions where code-compliant materials are required.

The 1x6 tongue & groove (T&G) profile features interlocking edges that create a seamless, flush surface with no visible gaps. Ideal for porch ceilings, soffit installations, and covered porch floors. All Garapa lumber is available in Select and Better grade with lengths ranging from 4′ to 20′. For detailed step-by-step instructions, consult our Garapa installation guide. Long-term care recommendations are covered in our Garapa maintenance guide.

1x6 Garapa Decking — Installation & Coverage Specs

  • Recommended joist spacing: 16" on center for 1x6 boards (0.75" actual thickness)
  • Fastener placement: Secure per profile requirements, one fastener per joist minimum
  • Board weight: A 12-foot 1x6 Garapa board weighs approximately 18 lbs (1.49 lbs/LF)
  • Coverage: Each 12-foot 1x6 board covers 5.5 sq ft of decking surface (5.5" face width)
  • Pre-drilling required: Always pre-drill in Garapa — the 1,650 lbf hardness prevents direct screwing

Janka Hardness

1,650 lbf

Service Life

30+ years

Durability

Durable

Fire Rating

Class A

1x6 Garapa Decking — Frequently Asked Questions

1x6 Garapa decking has an expected service life of 30+ years when properly installed and maintained. This is 3-5x longer than pressure-treated pine and 2-3x longer than cedar. Garapa achieves this exceptional longevity through its natural density (Janka hardness: 1,650 lbf) and Class 1 durability rating, which provide built-in resistance to rot, decay, insects, and fungal growth — all without chemical preservatives.

1x6 tongue & groove Garapa boards interlock via a milled tongue on one edge and a corresponding groove on the other. Secure each board by blind-nailing through the tongue at a 45° angle using stainless steel ring-shank nails or by face-screwing with countersunk stainless steel screws. Always pre-drill holes in Garapa to prevent splitting. T&G Garapa should only be used in covered or semi-protected areas.

1x6 Garapa decking pricing varies by profile, grade, and board length. 1x6 Tongue & Groove boards in Select and Better grade typically range from $4-$12 per linear foot before shipping. While the upfront cost is higher than pressure-treated lumber, Garapa's 30+ years service life makes the lifetime cost per year significantly lower. Use our online configurator above to see exact pricing for your selected options, or request a custom quote for large orders.

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