Ipe decks should be regularly kept clean of dirt and debris. Sweep leaves off the deck, don’t let rusting items sit on the wood, and hose off mud or spills. You can use a hose to safely clean off your deck but be careful when using a power washer.
Can I pressure wash my Ipe deck?
Can I Power Wash My Ipe Decking? It is not recommended to power wash your Ipe decking, and the pressure can damage your boards. If you do choose to power wash, it is recommended that you use a low-pressure, wide-spray setting, certainly no more than 1,200 psi.
How long does it take for IPE oil to dry?
Temperature, sun, shade, hardwood specie and humidity all affect drying time. Allow 24-48 hours to dry in most applications.
How long will an Ipe deck 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.
How do I restore my Ipe deck?
Wet your deck with a garden hose and apply the dissolved solution (follow the instructions on the back of each product) using a bristle broom to agitate the surface. Rinse with a garden hose, and once the surface is dry apply a new coat of Ipe Oil. Now your deck should look as good as new!
Does Ipe wood crack?
Ipe Decking dries and contracts, leaving tiny cracks in the face or at the ends of the boards. These tiny cracks are known as checks. Face checking is a very normal and is very difficult to see. It does not affect the durability, longevity or water-resistant benefits.
Do you need to seal Ipe decking?
Does Ipe need to be sealed? 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.
Does Ipe GREY go over time?
Like all natural wood species, Ipe hardwood will in fact turn gray over time if left to weather naturally. Over time, the surface of the Ipe hardwood decking does oxidize to a silver gray patina. This does not hurt the Ipe wood at all and in no way affects the structural integrity of Ipe.
Can you use linseed oil on Ipe?
Linseed oil is inexpensive and is available at any hardware store. Simply wipe linseed oil on your Ipe furniture with a rag, and wipe off any excess after 30 minutes. Even better than linseed oil is a UV-resistant penetrating oil called Penofin Exotic Hardwood Finish.
Do termites eat ipe wood?
Not because Ipe decking isn’t delicious, but because this material is extremely dense. Ipe is so impervious that insects, including termites, don’t stand a chance. Since they don’t have the ability to actually digest wood, termites usually choose to enjoy softer species, or decomposing wood.
Is Ipe hard to work with?
The common misconception is that it is hard to work with, because of this density. However if you are using the right blades and bits Ipe can be very easy to use on your next project. Of all the hardwoods used for decking, Ipe is regarded by most as the longest lasting and nicest wood available in the United States.
How often should I oil my Ipe deck?
IPE oil can highlight the natural beauty of IPE deck tiles and protect them at the same time. To help your wood decking retain its original color, you will have to apply a new layer of IPE oil every year. Additionally, you might want to clean and refinish it every three to four years.
How do you clean an Ipe deck?
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 refinish Ipe wood?
We suggest applying the IPE stain with a stain pad applicator. This will apply the finish evenly to the deck. Always start with the railings before moving onto the flooring. Make sure to apply with the grain of the wood and take care to not “puddle” the stain.
Is ipe decking worth the cost?
Among hardwoods, ipe is considered the most prestigious and valued wood. It stands out for its strength, durability, and density. These properties make it rot resistant, mildew resistant, scratch resistant, and the density is the reason it has a class-A fire rating.
How much does it cost to build an ipe deck?
Ipe Decking Cost
The average Ipe deck costs $4,700 for a 10×15 foot space, including labor and materials. It can range between $3,500 and $9,800 depending on the wood grade quality and the level of difficulty to build.
What is the hardest wood in the world?
1. Australian Buloke – 5,060 IBF. An ironwood tree that is native to Australia, this wood comes from a species of tree occurring across most of Eastern and Southern Australia. Known as the hardest wood in the world, this particular type has a Janka hardness of 5,060 lbf.
Can Ipe be oiled?
Ipe oil is used to finish and protect decks made from exotic hardwoods like ipe, tigerwood, and cumaru. … After painting on the oil and smoothing out the initial coating, you can reapply the oil every year to ensure your deck always looks vibrant.
Can you use IPE oil on pressure treated wood?
IPE Oil Hardwood is an oil-based VOC compliant formula. Naturally dense hardwoods such as IPE are difficult to penetrate. The stain will always fade quicker on these wood types than other types of exterior woods like cedar and pressure-treated pine.
What kind of wood is Ipe decking?
Ipe, also called Brazilian walnut or lapacho, is a dense and resilient wood that comes from the forests of Central and South America. Like other tropical woods, ipe bears some unique characteristics. It’s a particularly durable wood that weathers fantastically and looks beautiful.
Is Ipe better than composite?
While composite boards have become more durable over the years, their strength and longevity don’t compare to Ipe. Ipe’s hardness is a product of nature, and it is among one of the hardest woods available for decking. It is not pressure-treated or loaded with chemicals; it’s just a sturdy wood.
Is Ipe wood toxic?
It just so happens that Silica and chemicals embedded in Ipe are extremely toxic. And now Silica and the other chemicals in the tropical hardwood are becoming known to cause health problems. When you breathe the dust from sawing, it can cause immediate sickness. … Also, Ipe splinters cause immediate infection.