Brazilian Walnut Wood Decking
IPE, or Brazilian Walnut sometimes referred to as “Ironwood” or “Lapacho” wood is an absolutely beautiful and relatively common wood used on outdoor decks in the Maryland and Washington DC area.
The color of ipe decking can vary from reddish brown to a more yellowish olive brown. Normally dark brown or black strips will shine thru in the grain giving the wood a very warm and rich color blend. Some of the most stunning decks ever created have been crafted with this beautiful South American hardwood.
- IPE is very dense with a crushing strength of 13,600 lbs per square inch
- Janka hardness of 3,510 lbf.
- Good wear and durability for outdoor flooring
- Higher maintenance material
- Cleaning and staining is generally required annually for most uncovered IPE decks
Maintaining IPE Decking
Maintaining wood like Ipe and other hardwoods should not be left to amateurs. A very specific process within a very narrow window of weather conditions must be achieved for the proper finish when maintaining outdoor ipe decking. This wood can be very fussy, we know from experience!
Hardwood Staining
There are very few products that are proven to work well with this wood. Penetrating oils with the correct amount of transparent oxide pigments are the only way to maintain a beautiful clear natural look with ipe. The pigmented oils refract the suns UV light and protect the wood from the Bleaching or Graying out effect. Most good quality stains of this nature have an anti-fungal component added to fight off algae and Fungus.
The most common product used in our area is Penofin hardwood wiping stain. This product will darken the wood a bit but will keep the wood looking beautiful for longer than with a clear sealer or no treatment at all. Unfortunately, the maintenance of outdoor ipe decking is generally annual in our region and intensity of sunlight exposure.
WE RESTORE DECKS is proud to be knowledgeable and proficient with the maintenance of exotic hardwoods like IPE. We would be honored if you trusted your deck to us!
