International Wood Magazine

Iron Woods Garapa Shines at Myrtle Beach SkyWheel

Spotlight on: Garapa / Brazilian Ash

Newly installed Garapa hardwood deck at the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel, with observation wheel gondolas and LandShark Bar & Grill in the background.
A freshly laid Iron Woods Garapa deck surrounds the 200-foot SkyWheel observation wheel at the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.

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dramatic grain variation will continue to shine in a way that only Iron Woods Garapa can," he added.

The SkyWheel is a 200-foot observation wheel consisting of 42 glass-enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas located at the Boardwalk, just a short walk from the beach. A ride on the SkyWheel offers breathtaking views of the beach line, the boardwalk, and the ocean by day, the sunset at dusk, and the skyline at night.

Garapa, known for its practicality, durability, and eco-friendly attributes, has long been prized as a functional and appealing choice for outdoor applications that experience heavy foot traffic and challenging weather conditions. Its high density and natural hardness contribute to its strength, and its attributes will enable it to withstand the heavy foot traffic and the tests of time and weather at Myrtle Beach for many years to come.

Species: Apuleia leiocarpa

Origin: South America

Common Applications: Exterior joinery, flooring, stairs, decking, dock and boatbuilding.

Characteristics / Appearance: Garapa is a fine-grained wood with a light yellow to warm golden brown hue and darkens with age. It has a fine straight-grained, interlocked medium texture. This wood is fairly easy to work, despite its density. It glues easily and is very stable once glued. It saws, nails, and screws well with little to no blunting effect on tools.

Janka Hardness Scale: 1,650

Comments: Garapa is naturally water-resistant, less vulnerable to insects, rot and decay. With an excellent durability and a high resistance to daily wear, it has a long lifespan of 25 years or more. Garapa also features a Class A fire rating.

Frequently asked questions

What is the SkyWheel at Myrtle Beach?+

The SkyWheel is a 200-foot observation wheel consisting of 42 glass-enclosed, climate-controlled gondolas located at the Boardwalk, a short walk from the beach. It offers views of the beach, boardwalk, and ocean by day, sunset at dusk, and the skyline at night.

Why was Garapa chosen for the Myrtle Beach SkyWheel boardwalk?+

Garapa was chosen for its practicality, durability, and eco-friendly attributes. Its high density and natural hardness allow it to withstand heavy foot traffic and challenging weather conditions, enabling it to last for many years at Myrtle Beach.

What are the common applications for Garapa wood?+

Garapa, also known as Brazilian Ash, is commonly used for exterior joinery, flooring, stairs, decking, and dock and boatbuilding.

What does Garapa wood look like?+

Garapa is a fine-grained wood with a light yellow to warm golden brown hue that darkens with age. It has a fine, straight-grained, interlocked medium texture.

What is the Janka hardness rating of Garapa?+

Garapa has a Janka Hardness Scale rating of 1,650.

How long does Garapa decking last outdoors?+

Garapa is naturally water-resistant and less vulnerable to insects, rot, and decay, giving it a lifespan of 25 years or more. It also features excellent durability, high resistance to daily wear, and a Class A fire rating.