Ipe Hardwood Staining and Refinishing

Kansas City, MO – Ipe Refinishing and Staining

Having a deck makes summer BBQ parties, evening hot cocoa and breakfast with a view possible, taking just a few steps away from indoor] 

spaces. Decks make homeowners reconnect with the outdoors within the comfort of a home. This becomes even more meaningful now that staying at home is encouraged to stay safe from the virus.

Traditionally, pressure treated lumber topped with locally available wood were used as deck materials. Now, tropical hardwoods have increased the options for both homeowners and contractors. Some of the most common woods used for decking are: bamboo, cedar, redwood and Ipe.

Ipe the “Ironwood”

Ipe, also known as Brazilian walnut or Brazilian hardwood, is a species of hardwood that is indigenous to South and Central America. Nicknamed the “ironwood,” Ipe is known to bend nails because of its density and its strength is said to be comparable to that of steel.

A testament to its durability, the Riegelmann Boardwalk or the Coney Island Boardwalk in New York City used Ipe wood to replace longleaf pine decking. The new material withstood higher foot traffic and heavy vehicles plying through the boardwalk. Even with the replacement of the boardwalk’s material, the ironwood was reclaimed and used for other projects such as the art galleries of Barnes Foundation in Philadelphia, further indication of Ipe’s time-tested durability.

While claims of Ipe being fireproof are debatable, the United States Forest Products Laboratory released a report in 2007, “Cone Calorimeter Tests of of Wood-Based Decking Materials” which shows that the wood is a good choice for wildfire-prone areas. Further adding to the reasons why Ipe is sought after, the wood is resistant to mold, insects and rot because of the natural presence of high concentrations of tannic acid.

One downfall of Ipe is its cost. It’s no secret that the exotic Brazilian hardwood is expensive and the average cost of an Ipe deck for a 10 x 15 foot space is $4,700 where wood grade and difficulty level of installation can further affect the price. It has also fallen out of favor with sustainable designers and contractors because it presents many environmental issues. Fortunately, there are Ipe decking materials that are certified by The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) that will let environmentally conscious homeowners and builders use the wood without problems.

Maintenance – The Secret to Ipe Decks’ Longevity

Homeowners who have existing Ipe decks are fortunate to be enjoying the benefits of the wood’s properties. As with any other exotic wood, the key to its longevity is maintenance which includes proper Ipe refinishing and staining refinishing including cleaning of Ipe wood.

Refinishing wood decks or Ipe siding is part of a homeowner’s responsibility to extend the wood deck’s life.  It restores the beauty of the hardwood, and ensures that the deck is safe from splinters and cracks. While it can be done as a weekend project, hiring professional contractors is a must if there are some elaborate works to be done.

Refinishing may include:

• Sanding
• Cleaning
• Repair
• Pressure washing
• Oiling

Sanding is often required if there are raised grains to prevent splinters. Oftentimes, the grains can be lightly sanded with sandpaper but if the grains are too raised, an orbital sander might be needed. In the photo above you can notice a raised grain on the left and mill marks on the right. Remember to keep a dust vacuum handy and wear a respirator when sanding because Ipe produces very fine dust when sanded

Prior to sanding, inspect the deck for repairs. Remove loose, raised nails and replace with proper decking screws close to the nail hole. Further inspect the deck for large holes and cracks and use wood fillers to fill it up.

• Some experts recommend occasional pressure washing to clean Ipe decks and reveal the underlying color of the wood. Others say pressure washing can do more harm than good. If you choose to pressure wash your deck, test it on a small inconspicuous area and use a setting not higher than 1200 psi. A simple hose and an appropriate deck cleaner will also do if you’re wary of using a pressure washer.  At Decker Service Professionals, we recommend soft washing with low pressure not exceeding 500 psi. 

• Ipe does not easily accept stains or oils because it is too dense to penetrate but there are oils that will help maintain the natural color and applying several coats to permeate the wood can be effective. Skipping oiling before installing the deck will let the wood turn gray naturally while oiling it prior to installation can help maintain the color. Use natural products specifically made for hardwoods and always test on a hidden area. A product that contains Brazilian Rosewood oil provides UV protection for Ipe and is used for most tropical hardwoods.  If in doubt, enlist the help of professional deck refinishers.

Annual Maintenance

Overtime, Ipe wood turns slightly grayish or silver especially when exposed to natural elements like sun. Putting an awning over your deck can help slow down the weathering process and prevent uneven faded spots. An oiled deck will require yearly maintenance by reapplying oils to maintain the color. Cleaning the deck immediately from tree sap and spills and not putting things that rust on top of the wood will help prevent lasting damage.

With Mother Nature beckoning people to enjoy the warmer weather, having a beautifully refinished Ipe not only makes spending time outdoors possible, it also extends the life of the wood making investment on a costly decking material go a long way.

Please contact Decker Service Professionals for an estimate on Ipe refinishing and staining