Ipe or Brazilian Walnut as it is more widely known, is a dense and naturally durable Brazilian hardwood.
The extreme hardness and pressure-treated lumber keep the material resistant to wear and extremely resistant to damage from impact, which causes less maintenance of staining or painting of the deck project. Ipe is extremely dense and naturally repels termites and other insects that feed on wood fibre. One more benefit is its deck finish anti-fungal nature can help prevent rot in areas where there is high humidity. The dense quality of Ipe keeps the spaces between the fibres packed tightly together thus preventing moisture penetration.
Ipe can be painted with any standard exterior paint. Bleach-based cleaners are not recommended as the bleach will weaken the wood fibres of the Ipe deck over time and break down the oil finish.
Penetrating oil treatment is recommended for Ipe decking boards maintenance. Some suggested oils include the below.
This oil does not penetrate as deeply or as long as a penetrating oil finish would on the new deck.
These oils have no penetration properties at all. They leave behind a "greasy" shiny sheen due to natural resistance.
Yes, you must use the highest quality exterior grade paints specifically designed for painting ipe decking so the finish can hold up under harsh weather conditions. Standard interior paints are not meant for high traffic areas, let alone exterior conditions with high moisture content.
Yes, wood dust, any wood dust, can be very dangerous if exposed over a long time period. Take care when working with or around any form of lumber that includes ipe decking and any hardwood decking. Always use the proper safety equipment such as a respirator mask (to prevent inhalation of harmful chemicals such as wood dust), ear protection (to prevent damage to your hearing from loud power tools) and gloves (to protect hands against rough splinters and blisters).
Ipe can be cut in much the same way as other types of hardwood. The best type of saw to use is a circular saw with a sharp blade installed. More ipe can also be cut using electric saw blades or hand saw.
The most popular application for ipe decking is in outdoor patio flooring, both residential and commercial. Real ipe durability makes it ideal for exterior conditions such as patio, pool deck, balconies, and walkways. Ipe is also used as exterior siding and trim. Applying sealer to fresh cuts also prevents most woods from splitting.
The natural beauty colour of ipe is brown to dark brown with the red and amber hues tone, but it can be stained into most board colours imaginable and is common in the below.
Natural brown.
Dark walnut.
Mahogany (often mixed with redwood and tigerwood).
Teak (tan and grey).
Cherry (red and black).
No unlike many pressure-treated woods, power washing is not ideal for an ipe deck stain. Using high-pressure water on the best decking material will damage the Brazilian hardwoods by forcing water deep into the grain. Also, the Ipe composite deck should only be washed with soapy water. Proper washing involves using a soft bristle brush to loosen dirt and debris. You may also power wash the composite boards adjacent to ipe, but watch for over-spray on your decking surface.
Yes, but once you go through the first layer of wood, no finishing product will hold up under weather conditions afterward. The best way to refinish ipe composite decking is to use a penetrating oil finish or semi-permanent oil for quick touchups that require frequent maintenance.
For light mould stains, try 1 part bleach to 10 parts water. Spray the surface and let it soak for several minutes before cleaning with fresh water. If you have stubborn mould stains that refuse to go away, try using oxalic acid or potassium permanganate as a last resort. You can find these chemicals at your local hardware store. Always follow the manufacturer's application instructions and take all appropriate safety precautions when working with any type of chemical cleaner on decking materials such as rubber gloves, safety goggles and respirator masks (if handling chemicals).
Ipe decking exceeds codes for various constructions for the static coefficient in an area with high moisture level. You may apply an oil finish such as linseed oil or tung oil to ipe composite decking per square foot. Oiling is not necessary for the life of your wooden outdoor floor, but it will help to protect against moisture and UV rays. You can also consider using a penetrating oil finish if you wish to avoid the greasy sheen left behind by traditional oil finishes. If applying an oil finish, use a clean cloth or lint-free paper towel. Wipe a thin layer onto the surface and allow it to sit undisturbed for several hours before wiping off excess with a dry cloth in the same direction as the wood grain. Repeat this process every 3 months or more frequently depending on weather conditions.
You may use a waterproof exterior wood stain to give your Ipe decking material new life or to enhance its natural colour. You can also use an oil-based semi-transparent stain instead of applying a solid, opaque stain. A transparent finish will allow some of the wood grain and texture to show through. If you decide on a semi-transparent finish, only apply one coat as multiple coats might become difficult to remove later. Make sure that the surface is clean and dry before starting this project and wear rubber gloves, safety goggles, and a respirator mask for protection against harsh chemicals.
Yes, even though it is more expensive than cedar, ipe is worth the cost. Ipe wood is naturally resistant to rot, decay, termites, and other types of insects making it an environmentally friendly choice for outdoor flooring. Its acclimation process begins only if you move it to a different environment.
It's also durable. An ipe deck can last up to 35 years with minimal care depending on the owners, which is two times longer than most tropical hardwoods. Ipe wood offers a natural non-slip surface that won't crack or splinter under weather conditions. It looks beautiful when oiled or sealed and isn't easily damaged by foot traffic like composite materials are. It's also easy to clean, which makes it ideal for high-traffic areas where kids play all day long.
There are various local government regulations when install a deck. Tweed Shire Council has a great guide, but check with your local council.