Garapa Wood – The Ideal Choice for Wooden Structures in Cape Town

Garapa Wood Is The Best Choice for Premium Pool Decking, Fencing & Pergolas in Cape Town

We recently completed an 80 sqm wooden pool deck supplied with Garapa wooden decking. Garapa wood is a high-quality hardwood sourced primarily from South America, known for its beautiful golden-brown tone and exceptional durability. In Cape Town, Garapa is a popular choice for pool decks and outdoor structures because it offers both aesthetic appeal and long-lasting performance.

Garapa Compared to Other Woods

Garapa’s colour is naturally lighter than Balau or Massaranduba, ranging from honey-gold to warm amber, and it deepens over time with exposure. In comparison, Pine and Treated Pine are pale yellow or greenish, while Balau has a darker reddish-brown tone, and Massaranduba is a deep cherry red. Garapa offers a smoother grain and a more refined appearance, making it a favourite for premium pool decks.

Advantages of Garapa Wood

• Naturally resistant to rot, decay, and pests
• Excellent dimensional stability in outdoor conditions
• Requires minimal maintenance compared to softer woods
• Sustainable and long-lasting with proper care

Why Garapa Costs More

Garapa is imported and classified as a premium hardwood, making it more expensive than local softwoods. Its price reflects its strength, durability, and longevity. Fully installed, Garapa decking costs in Cape Town can range between R1,800 and R2,600 per square meter, depending on design complexity, height, and substructure requirements and subject to a site inspection and official quotation.

What an All-Inclusive Deck Installation Includes

An all-inclusive the true wooden decking price per m² with installation typically covers design, material supply, labour, transport, delivery, ground preparation, substructure installation, decking boards, screws, and finishing coats. Labour costs depend on the number of installers-typically 2–4 workers per project—plus daily transport and fuel costs. If the area requires clearing vegetation, removing old materials, or levelling uneven ground, additional manual labour or machinery (such as jackhammers or augers) may be required to break through boulders or anchor into rock foundations.

Other considerations include:

• Ground cover (e.g., biddum cloth) to prevent vegetation regrowth
• Waterproofing and water runoff design
• Stainless steel screws – about 35–45 per square meter—to prevent rust and corrosion, especially near the coast

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Why choose Garapa over Pine or Balau?
A: Garapa is more durable, stable, and visually appealing than treated pine and less oily than Balau, making it easier to maintain. Find out more about our wood types in this article here.

Q: How long does Garapa decking last?
A: With regular care, it can last 25 years or more.

Q: Does Garapa need to be treated?
A: Yes, applying UV-resistant sealant or varnish annually helps maintain its colour.

Q: Can Garapa be used for coastal properties?
A: Absolutely. It’s well-suited for humid, windy, or salty environments when stainless steel fixings are used.

Contact us for a quotation.