Is Cumaru three times harder than Garapa?

By Janka rating, yes — Cumaru scores 3540 vs Garapa's 1210. However, Garapa is still significantly harder than cedar (350) or pressure-treated pine (690).

Garapa is typically 15-25% less expensive than Cumaru per linear foot, making it the most budget-friendly exotic hardwood.

Does Garapa gray like other woods?

Yes, Garapa weathers to a silver-gray if left untreated. Many owners prefer to oil it regularly to maintain its golden color.

Can both be used for ground-level decks?

Cumaru is better suited for ground-level applications due to its Class 1 durability rating. Garapa should be elevated with good airflow.

decking

Cumaru vs Garapa: Comparing Two Popular Exotic Deck Woods (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 1, 2026|Sources & methodology

Cumaru and Garapa are both excellent Brazilian hardwoods for decking, offering different aesthetics at competitive prices. Cumaru delivers rich reddish-brown tones with exceptional hardness, while Garapa provides a lighter golden appearance that brightens outdoor spaces. Both outperform domestic softwoods by a wide margin.

Cumaru

Garapa

Key Takeaways

Cumaru and Garapa are both excellent Brazilian hardwoods for decking, offering different aesthetics at competitive prices.
Cumaru delivers rich reddish-brown tones with exceptional hardness, while Garapa provides a lighter golden appearance that brightens outdoor spaces.
Both outperform domestic softwoods by a wide margin.
Cumaru is the better performer for high-traffic areas and ground-level decks.
Garapa is ideal for elevated decks, lighter design schemes, and budget-conscious exotic builds.

Property	Cumaru	Garapa
Hardness Janka	3540	1210
Density Lbft3	66	50
Price Range	$3.00-$5.00/lf	$2.50-$4.00/lf
Durability Class	Class 1	Class 2
Color	Reddish-brown to tan	Golden blonde to light tan

Cumaru

Pros

Extremely hard — nearly as tough as Ipe
Rich warm color tones
Class 1 durability rating
Excellent value vs Ipe

Cons

Very dense — challenging to work with
Color variation can be significant
Requires pre-drilling for all fasteners

Garapa

Pros

Beautiful light golden color
Most affordable exotic hardwood option
Easier to work with than Cumaru
Brightens shaded outdoor areas

Cons

Less hard — more susceptible to dents
Lighter color shows dirt more readily
Class 2 durability vs Cumaru's Class 1

Best Use Cases

Choose Cumaru for maximum hardness and a rich dark tone comparable to Ipe. Choose Garapa for a bright, airy deck aesthetic at the lowest exotic hardwood price point.

Verdict

Cumaru is the better performer for high-traffic areas and ground-level decks. Garapa is ideal for elevated decks, lighter design schemes, and budget-conscious exotic builds.