PLEASE NOTE - Proper maintenance requires annual cleaning and oiling. If these guidelines have not followed and the wood has been allowed to weather and dry out there may be variations in the texture, color and finish after treatment.
Exotic Hardwood decks are as beautiful as they are strong. It’s no wonder Brazilian Hardwood is often referred to as “Iron Wood” although you probably recognize it as ipe (pronounced EE-pay). There are many different types of hardwoods, such as ipe, mahogany, teak, and cumaru. Among hardwoods, ipe is considered the most prestigious and valued wood. It stands out for its strength, durability, and density. These properties make it rot resistant & scratch resistant.
Hardwood decks can be left untreated for a more rustic, weathered grey look OR properly cleaned, sanded & oiled annually. You’ll want to use a UV Oil, which is technically not a stain. UV Oil is not meant to provide a color change like a stain. Ipe and similar tropical hardwoods have natural colors and variations in the grain. They are also naturally resistant to water penetration, so stains like the ones you might find at your local Home Depot or Lowe’s are not only unnecessary- they are improper. If you are planning to maintain the natural color, we recommend using Messmer’s Ipe Hardwood Deck Oil, which comes in two shades, Mahogany and Natural, with the most popular tone being Natural. This finish protects the wood and contains transparent iron oxide pigment. This pigment absorbs UV radiation, yet at the same time will allow visible light to pass through it. The oiling results you’ll get are a finish that highlights the natural beauty and variation of the ipe wood while simultaneously protecting it. Maintaining the color of your deck typically involves cleaning & oiling every 12-18 months. We suggest that clients get their hardwood decks washed, sanded, and oiled annually. Since annual maintenance can become costly — we offer package discounts for cleaning, sanding, & oiling.