Many people want to know: Can I skip the oiling on a new ipe deck project?
The answer is yes you can, but your deck will silver over time. If you decide to oil your deck after it has weathered, you will need to clean and brighten the deck and possible sand it.
If you choose to oil your deck before you install it, this will make it easier to get the finish on the edges before the deck is installed. Though you should know that an oiled deck requires regular oiling and cleaning on an annual or bi-annual basis depending on how much UV exposure and traffic your Ipe decking gets.
If you decide to allow your deck to silver/gray it is recommended that you clean it yearly to remove everyday organics from building up, it tends to blacken if not cleaned regularly.
Silvered Ipe Decking
Tips for Ipe Deck Oiling:
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To maintain the hardwood’s rich color, use a transparent penetrating oil-based finish with UV inhibitors such as Wood Rich UV Plus.
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Due to wood density and subsequent impermeability, apply several thin coats of a finish that is designed for hardwoods. Over-application can cause sticky and glossy surfaces as a result. You should always remember to follow the manufacturing directions and recommendations.
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Fully spot test any oil- or water-based coating before general application to determine compatibility. One product often recommended by our salespeople is Woodrich brand products that are specially formulated for hardwoods, such as Woodrich UV Plus. Other products that have been used successfully by hardwood deck installers include Total Wood Protectant (TWP), Woodrich Brand, Ready Seal and Penofin.
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Re-apply finishes annually or as needed. Clean the deck thoroughly before re-finishing. Products such as Woodrich Brand Wiping Stains may not need to be stripped if you have regularly maintained your deck and are using the same product over the top of the old finish.
To read more about Ipe and Hardwood decking, check out these pages:
Ipe Decking Installation Instructions & Tips