5/4x6 Garapa Tongue & Groove Decking board profile diagram
Decking

5/4x6 Garapa Tongue & Groove Decking

This 5/4x6 Garapa Tongue & Groove decking board pairs the proven outdoor performance of Garapa (Brazilian Ash) with a 1,510 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 Garapa decking online or call 1-844-674-4455 for expert guidance.

5/4 x 6(1"×5.5" actual)[25.4mm × 139.7mm]
Contractor Trusted
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Ships Nationwide
SKU: GARA-54X6-TG-SB-L1

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Durable, Weather-Resistant, and Beautiful Decking Solutions

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:2.67 lbs/LF
1' board:3 lbs

5/4x6 Garapa Tongue & Groove Decking — Complete Guide

Everything you need to know about t&g garapa decking

About 5/4x6 Garapa Tongue & Groove Decking

Garapa lumber, known for its exceptional durability and strength, is an excellent choice for decking applications. Its natural resistance to weather and insects makes it ideal for outdoor environments. The tongue-groove profile not only enhances the appearance of your deck but also provides a secure fastening method, ensuring longevity and stability in various conditions.

  • Exceptional strength and durability
  • Natural resistance to rot, mold, and insects
  • Smooth tongue-groove design for easy installation
  • Beautiful grain pattern with color variation
  • Ideal for residential and commercial decks

Key Benefits

Strength and Durability

Garapa's high Janka hardness of 1650 provides superior resistance to wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.

Weather Resistance

Inherent properties allow Garapa to withstand moisture exposure without significant warping or damage.

Low Maintenance

Garapa requires minimal maintenance due to its natural resilience, saving time and costs for homeowners and contractors alike.

Aesthetically Pleasing

The unique grain pattern and rich color variations add to the visual appeal of any deck, enhancing outdoor spaces.

Technical Specifications

Janka Hardness

1650

Density

approximately 42 lbs/ft³

Durability Rating

Class 1 (Very Durable)

Dimensional Stability

Excellent, low shrinkage and warping

Installation Guide

Difficulty:
Moderate

Key Tips:

  • Ensure proper joist spacing (16" on center recommended)
  • Leave expansion gaps of at least 1/4" between boards
  • Allow for proper ventilation underneath the deck

Recommended Tools:

Miter saw
Drill or impact driver
Screws specifically designed for tongue-groove installation
Level

Maintenance & Care

Cleaning

Regularly sweep off debris and clean with mild soap and water. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the wood.

Finishing

To maintain appearance, reapply a protective finish every few years depending on exposure to the elements.

Weathering

Garapa naturally weathers to a beautiful silver gray but can be maintained in its natural color with regular applications of UV protective oils.

Frequently Asked Questions

A 5/4x6 Garapa board weighs approximately 2.67 lbs per linear foot. Garapa has a density of about 50-60 lbs/ft³, making it one of the densest commercially available hardwoods. Always factor weight into your structural and shipping calculations.

Yes — Garapa is rated Durability Class 1 (Very Durable) and is naturally resistant to rot, decay, insects, and fungal attack without chemical treatment. It is naturally durable and performs exceptionally well in full exterior exposure including decking applications. While ground contact is possible, we recommend elevating Garapa boards at least 6" above grade for maximum lifespan.

Garapa outperforms composite in hardness (1,510 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 costs less over its much longer lifetime. Composites do offer lower upfront maintenance.

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 5/4x6 Garapa board has actual finished dimensions of 1" × 5.5" (25.4 x 139.7 mm). The "5/4x6" 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 (1" × 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