Many people wonder what steps they need to take to maintain their ipe deck. The best advice one can give is to prevent problems in the future by using the appropriate deck oil, or deck finish solutions. When you apply deck oil finish to ipe decking you will be preventing many problems including warping, checking, splits, and cracks. And the best part about using an ipe oil finish? You can maintain the dazzling reddish brown color of this exotic hardwood decking.

The following is a guide to what kind of finish you can use for your specific ipe decking application.

Interior applications where Kiln-dried ipe was used: This covers a sunroom, covered porch, lanai, patio or any room that is exposed to heat or air-conditioning. If your room used unfinished ipe, a polyurethane blend finishing solution is highly recommended. Be sure to follow the instructions very carefully so you get the smoothest and most even look possible.

Exterior applications where air-dried ipe was used: This includes outdoor decks, patios, siding, docks or any other outdoor area that requires air-dried ipe decking. Deck oil can be applied to air-dried decking applications that are uncovered and open to your specific climate. Don’t take for granted that ipe is highly weather resistant and able to repel mold, mildew, rot, and decay. Deck oil will prolong the life and maintain the color of your deck or outdoor application. When to apply a deck finish to your ipe deck? If your decking has already been installed, do only a top coat. You could, prior to completion, apply the finish to all sides of the decking. If your deck will have tight gap spacing or minimal ventilation, you should apply the finish to all four sides of the decking prior to installation. Doing this to each side of the ipe deck board will maintain equal moisture content plus aid in stabilizing the material following installation.

Hardwood Deck Oil Finish Options: Because ipe is such a physically dense hardwood with alkaline characteristics, it will only take specific kinds of deck oil. Consequently, practically every deck finish that is comprised of water and oil will not properly dry. The result would be a discolored and obviously unattractive deck surface. Prior to applying deck oil, take a few scraps of the ipe decking (or any other hardwood for that matter) and test the deck finish on a few deck boards. Wait and examine how exactly they look after they dry. If the finish is consistent and spotless, you know that you have the right solution and can finish your deck without worrying.

Upon application, the hardwood will darken a little. It’s important to note that the proceeding deck finishes will not and are not meant to stain the decking. Their major function is to maintain and care for the wood. They also serve to prevent fading from the sun’s U.V rays. After the initial application, you might want to apply another coat 6-8 months later. For better ipe decking maintenance, you can apply a new coat once a year for two years. Many people have had success also applying the deck oil every other year after the initial applications. Your ipe deck will keep its color for as long as the oil finish is applied.

Types of deck oils for wood: The following are some decking oil finishes that have been known to apply evenly and cleanly with ipe decking. Brands such as Ipe Oil™, Messmers UV Plus, CWF Flood Finish, and Sitkens Deck Finish are great options.