| Color/appearance |
Typically a rich brown with some pieces displaying red and amber hues, occasionally with fine darker streaks. |
Generally a warm golden to reddish-brown, often with a brassy glow and lighter streaks. |
Light to golden-brown, becoming more uniform golden-brown with exposure to sunlight. |
| Grain/texture |
Fine to medium texture; grain can be straight, irregular, or interlocked. |
Similar to Ipe, typically straight to interlocked texture. |
Fine to medium texture, usually with straight grain. |
| Endgrain |
Diffuse-porous; medium to large pores; tyloses and mineral deposits occasionally present. |
Similar to Ipe with medium to large pores, but usually denser. |
Diffuse-porous; small to medium pores scattered or in radial multiples, minimal deposits. |
| Rot Resistance |
Extremely durable; used in high-traffic areas like Coney Island's boardwalk, lasting 25 years. |
Highly durable with excellent resistance to decay and insects. |
Good durability, though not as high as Ipe or Cumaru, but still excellent against decay and insects. |
| Workability |
Hard and dense; can blunt cutting tools; may require surface preparation before gluing; tearout possible on interlocked grain. |
Similar challenges in workability; slightly easier to work than Ipe. |
Easier to work with than Ipe and Cumaru, less blunting of tools; good for machining and finishing. |
| Applications |
Ideal for decking, siding, pergolas, and heavy-duty structures due to its durability and resistance. |
Used for decking, structural applications, siding, ceilings, and outdoor fixtures, similar to Ipe but often preferred for its pricepoint. |
Commonly used for decking, outdoor furniture, and enhancement walls/ceilings, offering a lighter alternative. |
| Places in San Diego where you can see it |
Ipe is widely used in San Diego's piers and boardwalks and is also popular for restaurant exteriors and high-end homes in La Jolla and Del Mar. |
Cumaru enhances many San Diego restaurants and homes, especially in Point Loma and Coronado, thanks to its warm, appealing tones. |
Garapa is favored for decking and outdoor furniture in places like Balboa Park and Old Town, where its lighter color blends beautifully with natural settings. |
