Cumaru vs Garapa: Which Is Best for Los Angeles?

When choosing hardwood for a deck, patio, fence, or outdoor project in Los Angeles, two species often come up: Cumaru and Garapa. Both are tropical hardwoods, both are known for outdoor durability, and both can create a beautiful finished surface.

But they are not exactly the same.

Cumaru is extremely dense and hard, making it a strong choice for projects that need excellent resistance to wear and weather. Garapa is lighter in color and usually offers a warmer, more natural appearance. It can also be an attractive option when you want a durable hardwood without the deeper brown tones of Cumaru.

Los Angeles also has its own conditions to consider. Strong sunshine, dry weather, temperature changes, and occasional rain can all affect outdoor wood. The right choice depends on where you plan to use the wood, how much maintenance you are comfortable with, your preferred appearance, and your budget.

Here is a closer look at Cumaru vs Garapa to help you decide.

Key Takeaways

• Cumaru is harder and denser, making it a strong option for high-traffic decks, stairs, and outdoor spaces.
• Garapa has a lighter golden color, making it a good choice for bright, modern outdoor designs.
• Both Cumaru and Garapa are durable tropical hardwoods that can perform well in Los Angeles outdoor conditions.
• Maintenance depends on the look you want. Both woods can naturally weather to a silver-gray color, or you can use a suitable finish to help maintain their original color.
• You can buy Cumaru or Garapa from Brazilian Lumber in Los Angeles and have the hardwood shipped to your location for your project.

What Is Cumaru?

Cumaru is a tropical hardwood that comes from South America. It is sometimes called Brazilian Teak, although it is not the same species as traditional teak.

One of its biggest advantages is its hardness and density. Cumaru is naturally resistant to decay, insects, and outdoor moisture. These characteristics make it popular for exterior decking and other outdoor applications.

Cumaru usually has a medium to dark brown appearance. The color can range from golden brown to reddish brown, with darker grain patterns running through the boards.

Over time, unfinished Cumaru that is exposed to sunlight will naturally change color. Like many hardwoods, it can develop a silver-gray appearance as the surface weathers.

Its density is both an advantage and something to consider during installation. Cumaru is harder to cut, drill, and fasten than softer wood species. Using the right tools and installation methods is important.

What Is Garapa?

Garapa is another tropical hardwood from South America. It is sometimes referred to as Brazilian Ash.

Unlike Cumaru, Garapa has a much lighter appearance. Freshly milled boards often have a yellowish to golden color that can make an outdoor space feel bright and open.

Garapa is also naturally durable and is commonly used for exterior decking, siding, fencing, and other outdoor projects.

Its lighter color can be especially appealing in modern homes where homeowners want natural wood without the darker appearance associated with many tropical hardwoods.

Garapa will also weather naturally when left unfinished. With exposure to sunlight and outdoor conditions, its golden color will gradually fade toward a silver-gray tone.

Cumaru vs Garapa at a Glance

Feature	Cumaru	Garapa
Origin	South America	South America
Color	Brown to reddish brown	Golden yellow to light brown
Hardness	Very high	High
Natural durability	Excellent	Very good
Insect resistance	Excellent	Very good
Decay resistance	Excellent	Very good
Outdoor use	Excellent	Excellent
Maintenance	Moderate	Moderate
Appearance	Rich and darker	Light and warm
Weight	Heavy	Lighter than Cumaru
Common uses	Decking, stairs, outdoor structures	Decking, siding, fencing, outdoor projects

How Does Los Angeles Weather Affect Hardwood?

Los Angeles has a mostly dry climate, but outdoor wood still has to deal with strong environmental exposure.

Sunlight is one of the biggest factors.

A deck that receives direct sunlight for most of the day can experience noticeable color changes. UV exposure gradually breaks down the wood’s surface and causes the original color to fade.

Neither Cumaru nor Garapa is immune to this process.

If you leave either species unfinished, you should expect the wood to change color naturally. This is not necessarily a sign that the wood is failing. It is part of the normal weathering process.

Rain is another factor, although Los Angeles generally receives less rainfall than many other parts of the country. During wet periods, outdoor wood absorbs and releases moisture as conditions change.

Proper installation, drainage, ventilation, and regular maintenance can help the deck perform better over time.

Which Looks Better?

This really comes down to personal preference.

Cumaru is a good choice if you want a darker, richer wood appearance. Its brown and reddish tones can give a deck a traditional and substantial look.

Garapa has a completely different feel. Its yellow-gold color creates a brighter appearance and can work well with contemporary homes, light-colored walls, stone, concrete, and other modern materials.

Think about the rest of your property before choosing.

For example, a dark Cumaru deck can create a strong contrast against a light stucco exterior. Garapa can blend more naturally with a lighter outdoor design.

Both species can eventually turn gray if they are allowed to weather naturally.

Which Is More Durable?

Cumaru generally has the edge when it comes to extreme hardness and durability.

Its density makes it highly resistant to everyday wear. This can be useful for busy decks, outdoor stairs, and areas that receive a lot of foot traffic.

Garapa is also durable enough for many outdoor applications, but Cumaru is generally considered the tougher option.

For a residential deck that receives normal use, however, Garapa can still provide a long-lasting surface when properly installed and maintained.

So, if maximum hardness is your main concern, Cumaru deserves serious consideration.

If you want a balance between durability, appearance, and ease of handling, Garapa may make more sense.

Which Is Easier to Install?

Neither Cumaru nor Garapa should be treated like a soft construction wood.

Both are dense hardwoods, so installation requires proper tools and preparation.

Cumaru is particularly hard. Pre-drilling is commonly recommended when fastening boards, and installers need suitable saw blades and drill bits.

Garapa is also dense, but it is generally easier to work with than Cumaru.

This can make a difference if you are working with a complicated deck design, stairs, borders, or other areas that require a lot of cutting.

Professional installation can help avoid problems such as split boards, improper fastening, or damaged edges.

What About Maintenance?

Both hardwoods can be relatively low maintenance compared with many other outdoor materials, but low maintenance does not mean maintenance-free.

If you like the natural weathered look, you can allow the wood to age naturally. The original color will gradually fade and the surface will develop a gray appearance.

If you want to maintain the original brown or golden color, you will need to use an appropriate exterior wood finish with UV protection and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance recommendations.

Regular cleaning is also important.

Leaves, dirt, dust, and other debris can collect on the surface of a deck. Keeping the surface clean helps maintain its appearance and reduces the chance of moisture staying against the wood.

Which Is Better for a Los Angeles Deck?

Both can work well, so the answer depends on what you want from the deck.

Choose Cumaru if:

• You want a very hard and dense hardwood
• You prefer brown or reddish-brown tones
• The deck will receive heavy foot traffic
• Long-term durability is a major priority
• You want a premium tropical hardwood appearance

Cumaru can be particularly attractive for large outdoor decks, stairs, pool areas, and other projects where durability is important.

Choose Garapa if:

• You prefer lighter-colored wood
• You want a golden or yellow-brown appearance
• You want a durable tropical hardwood
• You prefer a somewhat lighter alternative to Cumaru
• You are designing a bright and modern outdoor space

Garapa can work especially well with the light-colored architecture that is common throughout Los Angeles.

Which Costs More?

Pricing can vary based on the supplier, board dimensions, grade, availability, shipping, and the size of the project.

In many cases, Garapa can be a more budget-friendly tropical hardwood option than Cumaru. However, you should compare current prices for the exact products you need rather than choosing based only on the species.

Remember that the cost of a deck includes more than the lumber.

You also need to consider fasteners, framing, tools, delivery, installation, finishing products, and long-term maintenance.

A slightly less expensive board may not always result in a lower overall project cost.

Cumaru or Garapa for Pool Areas?

Both species can be considered for poolside applications because of their natural durability.

Cumaru’s high density makes it a strong option for areas with heavy use. Garapa’s lighter color can also be appealing around a pool because it creates a brighter outdoor setting.

However, the most important factors around a pool are proper installation, drainage, surface design, and regular cleaning.

Water should not be allowed to remain against the wood for long periods.

If you are planning a pool deck in Los Angeles, talk with your hardwood supplier or installer about the specific conditions of the site before choosing your material.

Which One Is Better for Fencing?

Garapa can be a good choice when you want a lighter, natural-looking fence.

Cumaru may be better when you want a darker appearance and very high durability.

The decision can also depend on the style of the home.

For a modern Los Angeles property with white or light-colored walls, Garapa can create a warm contrast. Cumaru can provide a deeper, more dramatic appearance.

For either species, make sure the design allows for proper airflow and drainage.

What Happens If You Leave Them Unfinished?

Both Cumaru and Garapa will naturally change color when exposed to the elements.

Cumaru will gradually lose its original brown tones and can develop a silver-gray appearance.

Garapa will lose some of its golden color and also move toward gray.

This weathering process is normal for exterior hardwood.

Some homeowners actually prefer the weathered appearance because it gives the wood a more relaxed, natural look. Others want to preserve the original color and choose a suitable UV-protective finish.

The important thing is to decide what appearance you want before the project is completed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Cumaru and Garapa be used for rooftop decks in Los Angeles?

Yes. Both can be used for rooftop decks when the project has proper structural support, drainage, ventilation, and an appropriate installation system.

2. Can Cumaru or Garapa be installed over concrete?

Yes. Either hardwood can be installed over a suitable concrete surface using an appropriate sleeper or pedestal system. Proper drainage and airflow beneath the boards are important.

3. Do Cumaru and Garapa expand and contract?

Yes. Like all natural wood, both species respond to changes in moisture and temperature. Proper spacing and installation help accommodate normal movement.

4. Can Cumaru or Garapa be used for outdoor stairs?

Yes. Both are suitable for outdoor stair applications. Their durability makes them useful for stairs that receive regular foot traffic.

5. Can these hardwoods be used for privacy screens?

Yes. Cumaru and Garapa can be used for outdoor privacy screens, slatted walls, and decorative screening.

6. Are Cumaru and Garapa suitable for commercial projects?

Yes. Both can be considered for commercial outdoor applications such as restaurant patios, walkways, decks, and other exterior areas. The appropriate grade and installation method should be selected for the project.

7. Can Cumaru and Garapa be used for benches and outdoor furniture?

Yes. Their durability makes both species suitable for many types of outdoor furniture, including benches, tables, and seating areas.

8. Can Cumaru and Garapa be custom milled?

Depending on the supplier and available stock, custom milling may be possible. Ask your hardwood supplier about available profiles, dimensions, and minimum order requirements.

9. How should Cumaru or Garapa be stored before installation?

The boards should be kept clean, dry, supported, and protected from unnecessary exposure to weather before installation. Proper stacking helps reduce the chance of unwanted movement or damage.

10. Can Brazilian Lumber ship Cumaru or Garapa outside Los Angeles?

Yes. Availability and delivery options depend on the specific location and order. Contact Brazilian Lumber to check current Cumaru and Garapa availability and shipping options for your project.

So, Which Should You Choose?

There is no single answer for every Los Angeles project. Cumaru and Garapa are both durable tropical hardwoods, but each has its own look and benefits.

Cumaru is a good option if you want a very hard, durable wood with rich brown and reddish tones. It works well for decks, stairs, patios, and other outdoor areas that get a lot of use.

Garapa is a great option if you prefer a lighter golden color and want a durable hardwood for your outdoor project. Its warm appearance can work especially well with modern homes and light-colored exteriors.

Before making your choice, think about how you will use the space, how much direct sunlight it receives, the look you want, and how much maintenance you are willing to do.

If you are looking to buy Cumaru or Garapa in Los Angeles, Brazilian Lumber Los Angeles can help you find the right hardwood for your project. You can buy Cumaru or Garapa directly for your project, or have the hardwood shipped to your location in the Los Angeles area.

Whether you choose Cumaru or Garapa, selecting the right grade, size, and installation method is just as important as choosing the species. A good hardwood supplier can help you compare your options and find the right material for your project.

The right tropical hardwood is ultimately the one that fits your outdoor space, design, budget, and long-term needs.