Ipe decking and Garapa are two great hardwood decking options. Depending on your particular needs for your deck project, either of these unique and high performance deck species might work for you. When you compare Ipe to Garapa, each species has some similarities and some key differences. Have a look for yourself.
Ipe hardwood is often considered the ultimate wood decking species. It is incredibly hard, strong and exceptionally durable. Ipe is naturally fire resistant, slip resistant and resistant to termites and fungal decay. Its brown color ranges and tropical graining make Ipe a striking and very popular decking option.
Garapa hardwood is lighter toned than Ipe. Garapa starts out as a pale yellow to light honey color decking and will darken somewhat as it acclimates to light brown and amber colored tones. Garapa is both harder and stronger than oak but nowhere as strong and hard as Ipe. One question to consider is how much is enough for your project needs?
 Ipe decking on boardwalk in New York |
 Garapa decking on New Jersey boardwalk |
Here’s a list of some of the factors Garapa and Ipe hardwoods have in common:
| Mataverde® Premium Hardwood Species: Similarities between Ipe Decking and Garapa Decking | |
| Mataverde Warranty | Mataverde offers a 25 year limited warranty against insects and decay |
| Life-cycle costs: | Remarkably low, particularly if the “low maintenance” option is selected |
| Appearance/Finish | Look great with UV inhibiting oil finish to maintain the “like new” wood look. |
| Low maintenance option | Allow the decking to naturally weather to a silvery gray patina |
| Workability / Installation | Both high density hardwood species require carbide tools and careful craftsmanship for installation |
| Splintering | Both Garapa and Ipe hardwoods have minimal splintering |
| Movement | Both species show minimal movement after acclimation |
Here’s a list of some of the key differences when you compare Ipe decking to Garapa hardwoods:
We hope you enjoyed this article. Please visit MataverdeDecking.com to learn more about Ipe, Garapa, other hardwood decking options and lots more:
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