Ipe is indeed tough. Whereas other deck materials have a lifespan of 15 years, Ipe earned a top durability rating of 25 years plus in commercial applications such as Atlantic City. It's indestructibility can be attributed to It's incredible density. It weighs 69 lbs. per cu. ft. compared to woods like southern pine (35 lbs.) and redwood (28 lbs.)! And IPE is five times harder! No wood compares to It's superior strength. - 2 in. x 4 in. Ipe Hardwood Lumber
Iron Woods Ipe should be end sealed after each cut with Anchorseal clear wax end sealer to reduce end checking
To reduce surface checking, seal Iron Woods Ipe immediately after installation
For a rich walnut color, use a transparent penetrating oil-based sealer with UV inhibitors in a trans-oxide pigmented “tone” and reapply annually or as needed
If you prefer a silvery-gray appearance, use a clear oil-based sealer for the first coat and then simply let the wood weather to its natural gray color
If you want to return silver-gray wood to the original color, use a “wood brightener"
Careful power washing and/or sanding can help to remove the grayed wood.
Iron Woods® Ipe decking is supplied as partially dried or kiln dried lumber. Store the wood out of direct sunlight and allow the wood to acclimate and stabilize to the installation area’s humidity before installing. Some air-dried boards may show marks from sticker or breather strips. Generally these marks and water marks blend in when the sealer is applied. If still visible, they will dissipate during the next year as the deck fades. Carbide-tipped saw blades and high-quality drills are recommended for smooth cuts. Allow a 1/8 in. gap between deck boards for drainage and air flow. End-to-end butt joints are installed without a gap. Decking may shrink approximately 1/16 in. on 4 in. wide and 1/8 in. on 6 in. wide decking. Recommended fasteners for Iron Woods Ipe is a stainless steel trim head screw, to be installed after pre-drill / countersink the board. Pre-drilling will avoid any splitting that may occur during installation.