With a Janka rating of about 3,510, ipe (also called Brazilian walnut) is one of the hardest woods you can use for home improvement. In fact, it’s so dense that custom home builders are required to use special techniques to work with it, such as pre-drilled holes for screws. The good news is it has a natural resistance to rot and insects and it’s extremely durable. This is evident in New York’s Coney Island boardwalk, where the ipe boards have lasted for over 25 years of heavy traffic.
Now, you may chalk up its longevity to regular maintenance but surprisingly, ipe boards don’t require extensive maintenance. In this post, Artistic Design Build Inc gives you a step-by-step guide on maintaining your ipe deck.
Weather Sealing
Once the work on your deck is done, it’s vital that you apply an oil-based product to seal your ipe deck immediately. This is because new wood needs deck sealant with high moisture content applied as soon as possible. The weather sealing can also prolong your ipe deck’s life span, which already has a natural defense against water absorption, decay, twisting and the other vulnerabilities that accompany the average deck material.
Cleaning
Sweep any excess debris from your deck and clean it with special wood products before rinsing it with water. Allowing its surface to remain clean and dry will keep it in good condition. If you need help maintaining your deck, you can always hire custom kitchen remodel and ipe deck experts Artistic Design Build Inc to get the job done.
Aging
Aging is required for ipe decks to have a silver patina. While it’s possible to keep the deep natural wood colors, the patina of the ipe deck won’t rot or decay, allowing it to remain smooth and splinter-free.
Regular Maintenance
While an ipe deck doesn’t require extensive maintenance, it still requires regular care like any deck. This will help keep the deck’s beauty and longevity.
Turn to Artistic Design Build Inc for your home remodeling needs. We are your number one provider of home additions and design bathroom services. Give us a call at (301) 969-3037 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve homeowners in Potomac, MD, and other nearby areas.