When discussing hardwood decking in South Africa, there are several recognised species that perform well in exterior applications. At Somerset Timbers, we supply and work with a wide range of these timbers, including Pine, Jatoba, Massaranduba, Balau, Grandis, and Thermo Pine and Ash. Each species has its place depending on budget, aesthetic preference and structural requirements.
However, in this article, we are specifically focusing on Garapa, because from a technical, practical and long-term performance standpoint, it remains one of the most intelligently balanced decking timbers available in the South African market today.
The Technical Superiority of Garapa as a Decking Species
Garapa (Apuleia leiocarpa), often referred to as Brazilian Ash, is classified as a high-performance tropical hardwood with a Janka hardness rating of approximately 1,630 lbf (7,260 N). The high Janka rating means Garapa offers excellent resistance to denting, surface wear and impact damage, making it particularly suited to high-traffic entertainment areas and exposed outdoor environments. What truly distinguishes Garapa, however, is its dimensional stability. With relatively low tangential and radial shrinkage coefficients compared to many tropical hardwoods, Garapa is less prone to cupping, twisting and excessive movement when exposed to South Africa’s fluctuating moisture levels and temperature variations. Its naturally occurring oils enhance its durability by improving resistance to fungal decay and insect attack, while also limiting moisture absorption. Combined with its fine, generally straight grain and consistent light-golden colour, Garapa delivers not only mechanical reliability but also a clean, uniform aesthetic that complements both contemporary and traditional architectural styles.
The Somerset Timbers Advantage, Smart Decking Lengths
While the inherent properties of Garapa make it technically superior, proper specification and board selection are equally important. At Somerset Timbers, we supply Garapa decking in lengths ranging from 0.91 m to 6.09 m, allowing for intelligent deck planning rather than relying solely on long-length boards.
This flexibility creates two key advantages.
First, cost efficiency. By combining lengths strategically, material wastage is reduced. Instead of cutting down longer boards and discarding usable sections, installers can select appropriately sized boards to suit joist spacing and deck dimensions. This improves yield per cubic metre and lowers overall material cost.
Second, structural performance. Shorter boards can reduce cumulative movement across long spans. Timber can be effected by moisture and temperature casuing warping or cupping. By incorporating staggered joints and varied board lengths, movement stresses are distributed more evenly across the deck surface. This approach can reduce the likelihood of pronounced cupping or distortion across wide uninterrupted spans.
The result is not only a more economical deck, but one that performs more predictably over time.
Experience Across Species, with a Focus on the Right Application
While this article highlights Garapa specifically, it is important to note that at Somerset Timbers, our expertise extends across multiple decking species. We supply:
- Garapa
- Pine (treated for exterior applications)
- Jatoba
- Massaranduba
- Balau
Each of these timbers has unique density profiles, aesthetic characteristics and performance behaviours. Our role is not simply to sell timber, but to guide customers toward the most appropriate solution for their environment, structural layout and budget.
Garapa often emerges as the preferred option because it consistently delivers a balanced combination of hardness, stability, workability and visual appeal. That balance is what has contributed to its growing favour among builders, architects and homeowners across South Africa in recent years.
Final Perspective
Selecting decking timber is not merely a visual decision, it is an engineering decision. Hardness, movement characteristics, natural durability and installation strategy all determine how a deck will perform over decades, not just months.
Garapa stands out because it offers strength without excessive rigidity, stability without unpredictable movement, and aesthetic warmth without dramatic inconsistency. When paired with intelligent length selection, such as the 0.91 m to 6.09 m range supplied by Somerset Timbers, it becomes a technically sound, cost-conscious and architecturally refined decking solution.
While we proudly supply a full spectrum of decking timbers, Garapa remains one of the most compelling and well-balanced hardwood choices available in South Africa today, and one we continue to recommend with confidence.
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