Garapa VS Neem
- Stronger in bending (MOR 127.8 vs 78.0 MPa)
- Better flame-spread class (Class B vs Class C)
- Close second across most categories
- Solid choice where its profile fits the project
Visual comparison
Winner by category
There isn't one universally best wood — there's a best wood for each purpose.
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Durability | Tie |
| Stability | Tie |
| Hardness | Garapa |
| Strength (MOR) | Garapa |
| Stiffness (MOE) | Garapa |
| Flame spread | Garapa |
| Machining ease | Neem |
| Lightness | Neem |
Engineering data
| Property | Garapa | Neem |
|---|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | 1650WD lbf | 1460 lbf |
| Density | 0.72WD g/cm³ | 0.68 g/cm³ |
| MOE | 15.57WD GPa | 7.8 GPa |
| MOR | 127.8WD MPa | 78.0 MPa |
| Durability | Class 2 Durable | Class 2 Durable |
| Stability | Good | Good |
| Fire (E84) | Class B indicative | Class C indicative |
| Radial Shrink | 4.2WD % | 3.4 % |
| Tangential Shrink | 7.5WD % | 6.2 % |
| T/R Ratio | 1.79 | 1.82 |
Figures carry the same source status as the species pages they come from — verified where cited, indicative where marked.
Best for
| Application | Recommended | Suitability |
|---|---|---|
| Outdoor decking / pergola | 🥇 Garapa | ★★★★☆ |
| Exterior cladding | 🥇 Neem | ★★★☆☆ |
| Flooring / wear surfaces | 🥇 Garapa | ★★★★☆ |
| Furniture / interior joinery | 🥇 Neem | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Structural / load-bearing | 🥇 Garapa | ★★★★☆ |
Advantages & limitations
Garapa
Advantages relative to Neem
- MOR is 127.8 MPa vs 78 MPa, about 64% higher
- MOE is 15.6 GPa vs 7.8 GPa, about 100% higher
- Fire (E84) is Class B vs Class C — one class better on flame-spread rating
Limitations relative to Neem
Neem
Advantages relative to Garapa
Limitations relative to Garapa
- MOR is 78 MPa vs 127.8 MPa, about 39% lower
- MOE is 7.8 GPa vs 15.6 GPa, about 50% lower
- Fire (E84) is Class C vs Class B — one class lower on flame-spread rating
Recommendation
Choose Garapa if…
- Decking, docks and boardwalks, exterior siding and trim, marine work including cockpit gratings and handholds where the higher bending strength, stiffness and Class B fire class all matter in specification and the shared Class 2 durability is the baseline
- Interior and exterior flooring, doors and window frames where the harder, stiffer exterior hardwood is what the piece needs
Choose Neem if…
- Light construction, beams, door and window frames, posts and fencing where the working properties are sufficient and the shared Class 2 durability rating is what the piece needs
- Furniture (especially wardrobes, bookcases and closets), flooring and panelling where the documented Indian hardwood role is what the project is specifying
Frequently asked questions
Which is more durable, Garapa or Neem?
Neither — both carry the same EN 350 rating (Class 2, Durable). For outdoor work the separation is movement, not decay: Neem moves 6.2% tangentially against 7.5%, which decides board width and fixing spacing more than the durability class does.
Which wood is better for outdoor use?
Both are EN 350 Class 2, and tangential movement runs 7.5% for Garapa against 6.2% for Neem — close enough that decay resistance will not choose between them, and Neem holds its dimension marginally better. Garapa gives the harder wearing surface at 1,650 lbf; Neem is the lighter section at 0.68 g/cm³ — traffic favours the first, cladding and handling the second.
Is Garapa harder than Neem?
Yes — Janka 1650 lbf vs 1460 lbf.