In regards to hardwoods, Brazilian wood decking in general and Ipe in specific is considered the go-to option. Many qualities of this wood make it stand out from the others. Brazilian wood is hard, aesthetically appealing, durable, and it can withstand all sorts of climatic conditions. Brazilian wood decking is easy to work on and doesn't require much maintenance.
If you have an Ipe or Brazilian wood deck, here are some maintenance tips that can extend its already long lifespan:
After installing your Brazilian wood decking, experts recommend weather sealing the deck. While not required with Brazilian hardwood, sealing the first time will reduce surface checking as the Ipe moves to final acclimation at your home. You can use a good water or oil-based product to seal your deck. Sealing will also protect your deck from the sun’s UV light that will make your deck gray. The graying will happen once the sealer has weathered off, but you should have minimal surface checks.
Annually check the structure to ensure none of the framings have rotted, nails backed out, screws loosened, and such. A quick 5 to 10 minutes every spring can maintain the safety of your deck.
Periodic cleaning will keep your Ipe Brazilian deck looking good for a long time. First broom off the deck and then use a deck Cleaner. We use deck cleaners with Oxalic acid,sprayedon with a backpack or pump sprayer. After 30 minutes of working time just hose it off. The next day after your deck is dry you can apply another coat of finisher if you want to maintain that deep Ipe brown color.
Brazilian wood decking should be kept clean from tree droppings, leaves, and other dirt. It is advisable to sweep excess debris off the deck from time to time. The cleaner and drier the surface, the better for your deck.
If desired let your deck age. Upon aging, Brazilian wood decking becomes a stunning silver patina. However, if you don’t want to maintain the brown of your deck, you can always keep its color by applying finisher periodically to the surface.
Brazilian wood decking doesn’t require any specific kind of maintenance. Normal maintenance done regularly by following all the above will help you increase your Ipe’s beauty and longevity and keep dirt and contaminants off it. Periodic inspection and cleaning will maintain your deck in the long run. Review the above to conserve your deck and maximize its life!
About the Author:
ABS Wood is a leading premium Brazilian Hardwood Retailer in the US. At ABS Wood, our goal is to help you be successful in creating the “deck of your dreams!”. We always deliver top quality and premium grade IPE wood decking, tigerwood decking, garapa decking and cumaru decking with minimal imperfection or bowing. We offer complete support for you when developing your Brazilian wood decks. We have the largest selection of Brazilian cherry, cedar lumber, cedar wood, cedar boards, cedar beams, cedar timber and cedar shingles. We are dedicated to satisfying our customer’s need, and we frequently visit our customers to verify their decking installation, provide tips, and monitor our products. ABS Wood believes in providing support both before and after the wood decking sale.
