Ipe Deck Refinishing and Staining: What Homeowners Should Know

Homeowners with Ipe decks — and owners of homes with Ipe siding — often ask us how to care for this Brazilian hardwood. Because Ipe is so dense, choosing the right cleaning methods and finishes matters more than it does with softer woods.

Traditionally, decks were built from pressure-treated lumber or locally available softwoods. Tropical hardwoods have expanded the options, and Ipe has become one of the best-known premium decking materials alongside cedar, redwood and others.

Ipe, the “Ironwood”

Ipe, sometimes sold as Brazilian walnut, is a hardwood native to Central and South America. It is often nicknamed “ironwood” because of its density and hardness — it is hard enough that nailing it without pre-drilling is difficult.

A well-known example of its durability is New York's Coney Island (Riegelmann) Boardwalk, where Ipe replaced longleaf pine decking and stood up to heavy foot traffic and service vehicles. When sections of the boardwalk were later replaced, reclaimed Ipe was reused in other projects, including the Barnes Foundation building in Philadelphia.

Ipe's natural density and extractives give it good resistance to decay and insects, which is part of why it is sought after. Claims that it is fireproof are overstated; like any wood, it will burn, although testing has shown dense hardwoods such as Ipe perform comparatively well among decking materials.

Ipe is a premium material, and its cost reflects that. Sourcing is also a consideration for many homeowners and builders; Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified Ipe is available for those who want documentation of responsible forestry.

Maintenance: The Key to an Ipe Deck's Longevity

Owners of existing Ipe decks benefit from the wood's natural properties, but as with any exotic hardwood, longevity and appearance depend on maintenance — proper cleaning, refinishing and periodic oiling.

Refinishing an Ipe deck or Ipe siding restores the wood's color and helps keep the surface smooth and free of splinters and checks. Light maintenance can be a homeowner project, but extensive work — heavy weathering, old finish buildup, repairs or stubborn contamination — is often better handled by an experienced refinishing contractor.

Refinishing may include:

• Repair inspection
• Sanding
• Cleaning
• Low-pressure washing
• Oiling

Inspect and repair first

Before sanding, inspect the deck for needed repairs. Remove loose or raised nails and replace them with proper decking screws placed close to the original hole. Check for larger holes and cracks and address them before refinishing.

Sanding

Sanding is often needed where the grain has raised, to prevent splinters, and to remove mill marks or uneven weathering. Lightly raised grain can sometimes be handled with hand sanding; more pronounced raised grain may call for an orbital sander. Because Ipe is so hard, sanding takes longer than on softer woods and care is needed to keep the surface even from board to board.

Cleaning and pressure washing

Opinions differ on pressure washing Ipe. Some recommend occasional pressure washing to clean the surface and reveal the wood's underlying color; others caution that too much pressure can damage the surface. At Decker Service Professionals, we prefer soft washing at low pressure — not exceeding about 500 psi — combined with an appropriate deck cleaner. A garden hose and a suitable cleaner can also work well if you are wary of using a pressure washer. If you do pressure wash, test a small, inconspicuous area first.

Tree sap, spills and other contamination should be cleaned promptly. Heavy, built-up sap can be stubborn on dense hardwood and may require a more specialized cleaning approach — our Leawood Ipe deck project is one example of solving that kind of problem before refinishing.

Oiling

Ipe does not readily accept stains or oils because it is so dense, but penetrating oils formulated for hardwoods can help maintain its natural color. Applying thin coats and following the manufacturer's directions — including wiping off excess — helps the finish absorb rather than remain sticky on the surface. Some hardwood oils include UV-protective components and are designed for tropical hardwoods generally.

Use products made specifically for dense hardwoods and always test on a hidden area first, since Ipe boards vary in color and finishes can look different from deck to deck. If in doubt, consult an experienced deck refinisher.

Weathering and Ongoing Maintenance

Over time, unfinished or unmaintained Ipe gradually turns gray or silver, especially in direct sun. Some homeowners like that weathered look; others prefer to keep the original warm brown tones. Graying is mainly a surface change, which is why color can usually be restored through cleaning, sanding where needed, and refinishing.

Leaving Ipe unoiled lets it weather to gray naturally, while oiling it — ideally before or soon after installation, and on a regular schedule afterward — helps maintain its color. An oiled Ipe deck typically needs maintenance coats about once a year, though the right interval depends on sun exposure, traffic and the product used.

• Shade from an awning or pergola can slow weathering and help prevent uneven faded areas.
• Clean up tree sap and spills promptly to avoid lasting stains.
• Avoid leaving metal items that can rust directly on the boards.
• Watch the sunniest boards for fading as a cue that maintenance is due.

A well-maintained Ipe deck makes the most of a premium material and keeps it looking its best for years. If your deck needs cleaning, sanding or refinishing, our deck and fence staining and sealing service includes hardwood care.