Garapa Deck Builder in Houston

Garapa is one of the most compelling hardwood decking options for Houston homeowners who want the beauty and durability of tropical wood without the premium price of ipe. Right Angle builds garapa decks with the same installation rigor we apply to every hardwood species. Garapa (Apuleia leiocarpa) is a South American hardwood with a warm golden color that distinguishes it from darker species like ipe and cumaru. Its Janka hardness of approximately 1,700 lbf makes it significantly harder than cedar or pressure-treated pine while remaining easier to work with than ipe. It is naturally resistant to rot and insects, with a Class 2 durability rating. The golden color does shift over time. Freshly milled garapa has a bright blonde-to-amber tone that deepens with UV exposure. Left untreated, it will eventually silver like most hardwoods. Homeowners who prefer the warm golden tones should plan for annual oiling with a UV-inhibiting penetrating finish. Installation follows hardwood best practices: pre-drilling for all fasteners, hidden clip systems where appropriate, and substructure ventilation designed for Houston's humidity. Garapa is lighter than ipe (approximately 55 lbs/ft³ vs. 70 lbs/ft³), which slightly reduces structural demands on the framing while still requiring careful joist spacing and connection design. Garapa offers an exceptional balance of aesthetics, durability, and value for Houston deck projects. We install garapa decks across the Heights, West University, Montrose, Memorial, River Oaks, Bellaire, Oak Forest, and surrounding neighborhoods.