The light-colored tropical decking: golden Garapa boards, dried and milled to US sizes.

Garapa (Apuleia leiocarpa), sold in Brazil as Grápia, grows from the Amazon down to the Atlantic forest and the south of the country. Its honey-blond color is why architects specify it: it reads like a lighter version of Ipê, stays cooler underfoot in full sun than the dark species, and ages to a pale silver gray when left unfinished. Harder than White Oak, naturally durable, and usually the most affordable tropical decking species in the US market. Not listed under CITES.

Species specifications

• Botanical name: Apuleia leiocarpa

• Janka hardness: 1,650 lbf

• Density: approx. 820 kg/m³ (51 lbs/ft³)

• Color: golden yellow to honey brown, mellowing to light brown; silver gray when weathered

• Grain: fine texture, straight to interlocked

• Durability: durable; naturally resistant to decay and insects; commonly rated for 20+ years outdoors without treatment

• CITES: not listed