What happens if you put IPE on a deck?
Ipe is so dense and contains a natural oil that if you tried to seal it like you do a traditional wood deck it would peel right off. The sun will bleach the color out of most materials and wood is no exception. UV rays are what causes wood to turn grey outdoors.
Do you need to seal ipe wood?
Ipe does not need any “sealer” in fact the wood is dense, that it doesn’t really take sealer anyways. The products used on Ipe are not really sealers as much as UV protectants. It is the sunlight that turns Ipe grey, and using these products can help protect against that.
How often should I seal and oil my IPE deck?
Ipe decks should be sealed and oiled twice a year. The UV finish will prevent the boards from fading (if you want) and the protection will also minimize the appearance of dark spots.
Is there a maintenance free IPE decking?
First I don’t think “maintenance free” exists in any product. If you let your Ipe go gray then there is a lot less maintenance required but even then every 2-5 years a cleaning or even sanding is a good idea to keep the deck in good shape. In your climate this may go even longer due to the dryness of the Rockies.
Do you need to finish IPE?
Do I have to seal Ipe wood? No, but you really should. During the initial exposure of your Ipe decking or hardwood siding on site, weather, especially UV rays, take a toll on outdoor woods. Putting a coat of UV inhibitive sealer on exterior hardwoods is a great idea.
How do I protect my ipe wood deck?
If you love the color of your new deck and want to preserve those hues, you'll need to use a sealer on your ipe every year or two. Consider Hardwood Decking's Ipe Oil Hardwood Deck Finish & UV Protector. This product protects and preserves the beauty of your ipe deck.
What is the best sealer for ipe wood?
Top 10 sealer for ipe wood: Quick Comparison#ProductScore1DeckWise Ipe Seal Hardwood End Grain Sealant for Fresh Cut Board Ends or Turning Blanks (1-Quart)9.82Seal-Once Exotic Premium - Wood Stain and Waterproof Sealer in One for Exotic Wood - 1 Gallon &...9.48 more rows•Jul 11, 2022
Does ipe wood need to be oiled?
0:343:30Annual IPE deck Maintenance - Using Oil to rejuvenate IPE - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOil. When I refinish this. But with IPE decks. This is going to be an annual thing or this year IMoreOil. When I refinish this. But with IPE decks. This is going to be an annual thing or this year I used a product called Penofin.
Is it OK to pressure wash Ipe?
Pressure Washing Using a pressure washer isn't recommended for regular cleaning of Ipe decking. Power washers use high pressure which can damage and roughen the surface of the wood. Use a shop vac to remove debris and dirt from between planks, a soft-bristle broom to sweep it off, or just a regular garden hose.
How long does ipe wood last?
Ipe is more durable than other woods. Within ipe wood are natural oils that preserve it; combined with the wood's exceptional density, you can expect an ipe deck or fence to last up to 50 years without replacement.
Can you use Thompson water Seal on Ipe?
Q: On what type of woods should I use Thompson's® WaterSeal® Penetrating Timber Oil? Thompson's® WaterSeal® Penetrating Timber Oil can be used on all exterior woods, including exotic hardwoods. Exotic Hardwoods, such as, Ipe and Mahogany, are a very dense and less absorbent species than pressure treated pine.
How do you care for ipe wood?
Wash your Ipe wood surfaces with a nylon bristle brush or soft towel and Penofin® Pro-Tech Wood Cleaner to remove surface dirt, scrubbing in the same directions as the grain of the wood, then rinse off with water. Once complete allow to dry. In a pinch, you may use mild dish soap, then rinse clean with water.
How do you clean an untreated Ipe deck?
You should routinely sweep or vacuum the surface and rinse with a garden hose to wash away debris that can stain the wood, such as dirt, pollen, or sap. You can also use wood-safe cleaners to wipe away any remaining spots.
What is the best oil for Ipe decking?
Finishing Ipe and other high density tropical hardwoods is fairly easy to do. Simply apply a coat of an appropriate sealer, such as Penofin® Oil Finish according to the manufacturer's directions and you're done.
How do you care for ipe wood?
Wash your Ipe wood surfaces with a nylon bristle brush or soft towel and Penofin® Pro-Tech Wood Cleaner to remove surface dirt, scrubbing in the same directions as the grain of the wood, then rinse off with water. Once complete allow to dry. In a pinch, you may use mild dish soap, then rinse clean with water.
What is the best oil for Ipe decking?
The Best Finish for an Ipe Deck Advantage Lumber recommends Ipe Oil and WiseCoat, which are comparable products, although WiseCoat produces a slightly darker color. Penofin Oil Finish is another solvent-based penetrating oil finish designed for dense hardwoods, such as ipe.
How do I oil my Ipe?
1:002:31How to Apply DeckWise IPE Oil for Hardwood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipDon't forget to apply IPE oil in between and on the ends of the hardwood. Boards. It is important toMoreDon't forget to apply IPE oil in between and on the ends of the hardwood. Boards. It is important to wait 30 to 45 minutes so it can soak into the hardwood then wipe off any excess.
What is the best wood preservative for your deck?
Here are some of the best deck sealers on the market:Thompsons Waterseal Advanced Natural Wood Protector.ECO-SAFE Wood Treatment – Stain & Preservation by Tall Earth.Rust-Oleum Coppercoat Wood Preservative.CabotStain Australian Timber Oil Penetrating Oil.Thompsons Waterseal – Transparent Stain.
How much does Ipe cost?
How much does Ipe cost? Ipe is priced due to market demand and supply. At any given time it may vary. It also matters what quality of boards you bu...
How do you pronounce "Ipe"?
Ipe is actually pronounced E-Pay. The word is Portuguese so its not said how it is spelled. But don't worry, no matter how you say it we will know...
Can Ipe be used around a fire?
Yes! Ipe has up to a Class A fire rating which is the same as steel or concrete. It is the perfect natural option around a fire.
Can I buy already weathered Ipe?
Ipe that is weathered may be available, contact us for details.
How can I treat my Ipe to get a weathered look?
If you want that look you do not treat it with anything other than end sealers and it will naturally turn grey. Not only that if you decided to, bu...
Why Choose Ipe for decking?
It is the best wood all around. Perfect mixture of most durable, lowest maintenance, best-looking wood mother nature makes. Withstands splintering...
What is Kiln Dried vs Air Dried
Ipe is most commonly used for outdoor applications. This is due to the durability and longevity of the material. Ipe is best used with an outdoor a...
What color variations does Ipe have?
Ipe can vary greatly from batch to batch and board to board. We do our best to color match our orders. But remember the wood is natural. If you are...
How long does Ipe last?
Depending on exposure and treatment Ipe will probably last your lifetime. It is the longest-lasting outdoor wood, it can last over 75 years.
Is Ipe real wood?
Yes, Ipe is real wood and it comes from real trees! Ipe is not a brand but the actual type of tree and lumber.
What is ipe wood?
Ipe is most commonly used for outdoor applications. This is due to the durability and longevity of the material. Ipe is best used with an outdoor application when it is air-dried or kiln-dried. The moisture content of air-dried Ipe is usually around 18% this is perfect for outdoor application. It will keep the wood stable in heat, rain, wind, and cold temperature swings and maximize the over 75-year life of this wood. When Ipe is kiln-dried the moisture content is reduced to around 8-10%. Kiln-dried usually costs a bit more. The thing is that Kiln can be used anywhere, but air-dried is usually only used outdoors. However, if you desire kiln-dried we usually can accommodate that also.
How much does an ipe cost?
At any given time it may vary. It also matters what quality of boards you buy. Ipe costs are usually around $2.00-$2.50/LF for 1×4 Standard boards.
What is the best material for a deck?
Hands down, Ipe is the best material you can use for a deck. Of course, the “best” is subjective to some degree. But Ipe is generally, the hardest, longest lasting, and most desired material for decks.
Is IPE the hardest wood?
Ipe is not the hardest wood. But it is the hardest wood that typically is used for decking. Interestingly enough most the harder woods are sold by the pound and not by the linear foot. They are used frequently for instruments. As far as decking, siding or fencing then yes, Ipe is the hardest used for these applications.
Can Ipe be kiln dried?
When Ipe is kiln-dried the moisture content is reduced to around 8-10%. Kiln-dried usually costs a bit more. The thing is that Kiln can be used anywhere, but air-dried is usually only used outdoors. However, if you desire kiln-dried we usually can accommodate that also. More KD vs AD Info.
Can Ipe colors be different?
Ipe color can vary as you see here. Sometimes orders will look much more similar and sometimes they will be very different. If you want to match color, you should order more to ensure you have a better selection or you can cull boards that are too drastically different. There is not a standard Ipe color.
Does IPE need a sealer?
Ipe does not need any “sealer” in fact the wood is dense, that it doesn’t really take sealer anyways. The products used on Ipe are not really sealers as much as UV protectants. It is the sunlight that turns Ipe grey, and using these products can help protect against that.
How long does grey ipe last?
Grey Ipe wood deck. When Ipe turns grey it still shows the beautiful wood grain and maintains all of its durability and will still last up to 75 years or more. Ipe is so dense and contains a natural oil that if you tried to seal it like you do a traditional wood deck it would peel right off.
How to stop ipe wood from turning grey?
To stop Ipe wood from turning grey we recommend applying a special oil that’s specifically formulated for hardwoods like Ipe wood. This is what most people mistake when they think I have to seal my Ipe wood. The oil keeps the sun from bleaching the rich brown color from the Ipe wood. It’s basically like sunscreen for your Ipe.
How long does it take for a deck top coat to peel off?
These top coats will flake and peel off after only a year or two. Then ideally you would sand the entire deck and apply another sealer on top of the deck. This is a lot of maintenance and what most people think of when it comes to sealing a wood deck.
How long does it take for ipe oil to soak up?
Ipe wood is so dense it will only soak up so much of the Ipe Oil. You need to go back with a clean rag after 10 minutes and wipe up any excess or wet looking spots.
Is ipe wood waterproof?
Unlike softwood decking Ipe wood does not require a waterproofing sealer to keep the wood from rotting. Ipe is over 3 times harder than Teak and if you leave Ipe untreated it will turn a beautiful silver grey. Grey Ipe wood deck. When Ipe turns grey it still shows the beautiful wood grain and maintains all of its durability ...
Do Ipe woods need to be sealed?
Ipe wood does not need to be sealed like traditional softwoods such as redwood, pine and cedar. These softwoods have an open grain structure that allows water to penetrate deep into the wood cells like a sponge. As a result softwoods need a waterproofing sealer that forms a top coat to keep water from penetrating the wood.
Does ipe oil peel off?
The oil keeps the sun from bleaching the rich brown color from the Ipe wood. It’s basically like sunscreen for your Ipe. Ipe Oil will not flake or peel off like a sealer on a traditional wood deck so it’s much lower maintenance.
How do I clean an IPE deck?
Cleaning Ipe decking is simple, though, and you don’t need more than a broom and garden hose. Sweep all the leaves and debris away then wash the deck with a garden hose to ensure no sap, dust or other remnants remain. When it comes to maintenance, it will mostly depend on if you put a finish on the wood or not.
How often should I refinish ipe decking?
It is highly recommended that you refinish Ipe decking twice a year, but once is okay, especially if your deck is more in shade than direct sun. Known Problems of Ipe Wood Decking (and Their Solutions) Ipe is an iron wood and as such has some issues that stand out. However, each problem comes with a solution.
How long does ipe wood last?
Naturally rot and decay resistant. Even when cut and acclimated, Ipe wood resists pests, termites, rot and decay. Long life. Ipe wood is generally warrantied for at least 20 years, with life expectancy ranging from 40 to 75 years.
Why choose IPE over other woods?
Here are the best reasons to choose Ipe over other wood types. Extremely durable. According to the Janka hardness scale Ipe wood is the 9 th strongest wood available. Natural beauty. You can coat the deck to maintain the deep tones of the wood, or let it naturally fade into a gorgeous silver tone. Easy to replace.
What is the best wood for a fence?
Learn more. Ipe wood is one of the hardiest, strongest and most naturally beautiful woods around. It is popular for fencing, furniture, truck beds and decking. However, just because it is strong and popular, doesn’t make it the right choice for your needs.
How much does it cost to build a 10x15 deck?
With materials and installation the total cost of a 10×15 foot deck will range between $3,500 and $9,800.
What blade to use to cut ipe?
You must use a carbide tipped saw blade to cut Ipe because it is so hard. Hard to find. For the best results you want to stick to Ipe wood that is labeled as “premium” as this gives you the best uniform color and minimizes surface splintering. However, premium Ipe is notoriously hard to find.
How to finish IPE?
Simply apply a coat of an appropriate sealer, such as Penofin® Oil Finish according to the manufacturer's directions and you're done. For now.
Do sealers need to be refinished?
All sealers and finishes will need to be refinished as they age and wear. Many factors affect how long a finish will last including; amount and time of day of UV exposure, weather, traffic, the proper application of the finish and the quality of the finish itself. UV rays are by far the most damaging element to most exterior finishes.
Can Ipe decking withstand ice?
Although many species of hardwood decking such as Ipe, Cumaru, Machiche and Garapa can withstand this type of extreme punishment very well, most finishes cannot . So when the elements and time do their work, the finish will be the first thing to wear.
Is ipe wood hard to stain?
Some of the amazing strengths and characteristics that make Ipe wood so resistant to rotting and insects also make it a tough wood species to stain. Because Ipe and other hardwood decking materials are so dense and non-porous hardwoods, very few deck stains actually work effectively on them.
Does penofin work on wood siding?
That's why the finishes on decksa, siding and fences on these two sides will normally show fading and wear first. Penofin works well for hardwood siding and fence boards , too, and just like its appearance on decking, will have a shiny finish initially.
Is it cheaper to prefinish a deck?
Also, as decks are often low to the ground, with minimal underside air circulation, it is very cheap insurance to prefinish.
Can you put penetrating oil on wood?
When you apply penetrating oil to softer woods, you can lay it on heavily by brush and it will suck in. Ipe will laugh at you as it spits most of the oil back out. The residue that is left will stay tacky for weeks, and then become a choice breeding ground for mildew formation.
Where do Ipe decking boards come from?
The Ipe Decking Journey. From Forest: Tropical decking boards travel a very long way before they end up in your hands. These boards not only come from trees felled in the Amazon, but they are also sawn into boards in the same area and eventually milled into the S4S, E4E decking board.
Why sand ipe deck?
Sanding Ipe Deck to Remove Rough Spots from Raised Grain. Wood grain has a direction, and wood doesn’t like it when you “go against the grain” (yes, many of our everyday sayings come from the lumber industry). Grain direction is often compared to petting a cat.
What to use to make a deck look better?
So even after taking into account all of the points above, the single most effective thing you can do to ensure your deck looks its best is to use a deck cleaner and brightener product .
How often should I clean my ipe deck?
If you let your Ipe go gray then there is a lot less maintenance required but even then every 2-5 years a cleaning or even sanding is a good idea to keep the deck in good shape. In your climate this may go even longer due to the dryness of the Rockies.
What to do when your deck turns gray?
When it starts to turn gray your best bet is sanding. Certainly brightener products can be a stop gap measure but based on your lack of water situation I agree that it would be a pain. Just sand it. The grit to use really depends on how gray the deck has gone and how much time you want to spend sanding.
How many faces does a deck board have?
When you buy decking boards, they are already planed on 4 faces (S4S) and usually have the sharp corners eased (E4E). Depending on whether you are face screwing or using a clip system, there may or may not be a groove routed on the edges.
Can you use citric acid on a deck?
The better quality products will use something like citric acid that is much kinder to the wood, and which is not harmful to your plants and soil around and under the deck. For a new deck installation, once the cleaner is applied, you may well be able to skip the brightener and go right on to oil.