Lifespan. Both ipe and mahogany have very long lifespans. They can range from
20-40+ years
if deck owners take the proper care to maximize the deck’s life. However, this is all dependent on your substructure.
Does Ipe wood need to be sealed?
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. … Proper UV protection helps minimize surface checking on your deck or siding boards.
How long does Ipe last outside?
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
.
Is Ipe a good outdoor wood?
deserved reputation as the best outdoor wood species for a wide variety of outdoor projects. From backyard decking to famous boardwalks to rain screen siding, Ipe is often the material of choice for beautiful outdoor projects. Ipe wood is
hard, strong, long lasting and beautiful
.
How often do you need to stain Ipe?
Keep the IPE surface free from dirt and grime. Periodic sweeping and rinsing with water will keep the wood looking better longer. Best to reapply the IPE stain before the wood turns gray. Depending on the exposure to the sun, you will need to reapply
every 9-18 months
.
Do termites eat Ipe?
Do termites like Ipe decking? Surprisingly, enough termites and other insects from Brazil and the United States tend to stay away from Ipe Decking. 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.
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.
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.
Should I sand or pressure wash Ipe deck?
If ever you skipped maintenance for a longer period of time and the wood has become grey, we recommend a
good pressure wash
(Saicos Wood Brightener works well). Let it dry for a day or two, then give it a light sanding to smooth and remove any remaining grey spots – and is ready to oil, very simple.
What do you seal Ipe wood with?
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 keep Ipe looking new?
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.
Should you stain Ipe?
No, you do not need to stain Ipe
. However, if you want it to stay brown, red, and dark you will need to apply a U.V. Coating. We recommend for maintaining this color that you use Messemers U.V.
Should I oil my ipe deck?
If you want your IPE decking to remain naturally brown, you should apply
a layer of IPE oil every year
. Otherwise, you can just leave it as it is and ensure that you clean it regularly. The best part about not using IPE oil on a wood decking is that the silver patina is not permanent.
How often should I oil my ipe deck?
If you are oiling your Ipe deck to maintain its color and protect it from UV fading, we recommend that you oil your deck
annually
.
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.
