14 Feb Balau vs Garapa vs Pine: Choosing the Correct Decking Wood
Is it proving to be difficult to select the ideal wood for your next decking project? With all these timbers at your disposal, we’re simplifying the facts so that you’ll know precisely which timber to buy and why.
Why Use Balau For Outdoor Decking?
1. Durability
Balau wood is known for being strong. This hardwood contains numerous naturally resistant characteristics, from waterproof to insect-resistant. This wood is durable enough to withstand long-term water, moisture, temperature, and weather fluctuations, thereby making it a good wood to be utilized in an outside application.
2. Visual aesthetic
Its striking visual appeal has deep, rich colours and what seems to be a grain texture. The organic beauty of this wood will provide warmth and comfort amongst friends and loved ones.
3. Water-resistant
If you are to construct a deck around your hot tub or pool, Balau wood has a naturally high-friction surface and therefore you do not have to worry about slipping and getting injured. A Balau wood deck is a smart choice.
4. Long-lasting & Low Maintenance
This timber needs minimal maintenance as compared to other decking timbers. The natural resistance to fungal attack and insect infestation, results in no frequent sealing and coating of your deck. Balau decking will last for decades if properly maintained and taken care of.
5. Sustainability
Balau is eco-friendly timber that is sustainably sourced. The timber is derived from responsibly managed and regulated forests to facilitate responsible and environmentally friendly measures.
Why Use Garapa For Outdoor Decking?
1. Longevity
Garapa or Brazilian Ash, is another favourite. Rich gold in colour, yet so incredibly strong. This hardwood resists wear, insect infestation, and rot, making it ideal for heavily used outdoor areas.
2. Resistant To Moisture
Garapa hardwood’s water-repelling properties automatically resist mould and mildew naturally, keeping your deck looking its best, with warping and splintering prevented.
3. Easy Maintenance
In contrast to other wood, this is simple to maintain. You will not spend time and effort on deck maintenance since it naturally resists weakening and insects. Most of the time, Garapa wood is perfect when it comes to deck maintenance; you simply need to clean your deck with soap and water to keep its appearance.
4. Environmentally Friendly
You’ll be pleased to hear that Garapa wood is sustainably harvested and because it is a moderately fast-growing tree, it might even be cut without severely damaging forests. You can simply sit back and enjoy your deck, and at the same time know you’re also encouraging responsible forest harvesting.
5. Cost consideration
For most homeowners, price is a top concern. Garapa wood falls somewhere in the middle when it comes to cost. While it may cost more initially than some types of lumber, its durability and lifespan might make it a worthwhile investment down the road because you’ll likely not have to shell out as much for repairs and replacements.
Why Use Pine For Outdoor Decking?
1. Affordability
One of the best things about having pine as your decking material is that it is cheaper. Making it an appealing option for budget-conscious homeowners but still oozing with the natural and elegant wooden aesthetic.
2. Plenitude
Pine is readily accessible and available almost anywhere, and so you would not have to inconvenience yourself with procuring the material, and easier to replace boards if need arises. It also informs you why it is so affordable; it is not that there is little material.
3. Easy to Install
It is a softwood, and therefore simpler to work with when installing it. It is simple to cut, nail, and stain to your preference as far as design is concerned.
4. Pressure-Treated Durability
Pressure-treating is a common procedure for pine decking so that it will be tougher and less likely to rot or decay in any form. The treatment is amazing because it extends the life of pine to render it more durable under weather conditions.
5. Breathtaking Beauty
Staining this timber is one of the best ways of enhancing its colour and look, which often lacks less grain pattern of wood than some types of wood, e.g., cedar and redwood.
Each of these timber wood options has its characteristics and advantages. We hope this review will assist you in making the right decision for your decking project by enabling you to gain a better understanding of Balau, Garapa, and Pine.
Choose Garapa for durability, Balau for waterproofing, or Pine for something easy to find and inexpensive. Contact us to source your ideal decking wood today.