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 1x2 Garapa Wood for Your Soffit?
Garapa soffit and porch ceiling boards create a warm, premium overhead aesthetic that vinyl and aluminum simply cannot replicate. The natural grain pattern adds architectural character to any covered outdoor space. Properly installed 1x2 Garapa soffit 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 1x2 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.
1x2 Garapa Soffit — Installation & Coverage Specs
- Recommended joist spacing: 16" on center for 1x2 boards (0.75" actual thickness)
- Fastener placement: Secure per profile requirements, one fastener per joist minimum
- Board weight: A 12-foot 1x2 Garapa board weighs approximately 5 lbs (0.41 lbs/LF)
- Coverage: Each 12-foot 1x2 board covers 1.5 sq ft of soffit surface (1.5" face width)
- Pre-drilling required: Always pre-drill in Garapa — the 1,650 lbf hardness prevents direct screwing