Wood Species Guide
Garapa
Apuleia leiocarpa
Also called: Grapia, Garapeira, Amarelinho, Brazilian Ash (trade name)
About the name “Garapa”
Garapa is sometimes marketed as Brazilian ash, but it is a legume and not related to true ash (Fraxinus). The name refers to the color and grain look only.
What Garapa looks like
Heartwood is a golden yellow to light brown that darkens and warms to a honey brown with light. The sapwood is paler and not always sharply defined.
Grain and texture
Grain is straight to slightly interlocked, with a fine to medium texture and a good natural luster.
Working Garapa: planing, cutting and gluing
Easier to work than most decking hardwoods of similar density. Interlocked areas can tear out, so take light final passes. It glues and holds screws well with pilot holes.
Finishing Garapa: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oil, deck oil and film finishes well. Outdoors it weathers to silver unless you keep up with a UV oil. For epoxy, the pores are fine, but a thin seal coat still helps; the golden color will deepen under any clear finish.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Rated durable against rot, but it is not termite proof, so keep it off the ground and away from soil. It is a common decking wood and handles Florida rain and sun well above ground with good airflow.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Garapa is mostly sold as decking and flooring, and it is a lighter, brighter alternative to ipe for lanai decks and outdoor benches. It machines more easily than ipe and costs less. Use stainless fasteners near salt air. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Garapa
Decking, flooring, docks, outdoor furniture, boatbuilding and general construction.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
Skin irritation has been reported now and then. Few other reports exist.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + mask when sanding
- Food contact
- Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
Skin irritation has been reported, but serious reactions are uncommon. Use dust collection and a mask when sanding.
Garapa in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Garapa listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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