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If you’ve purchased ipe decking, you’re probably wondering: how much does it cost to maintain it? And how much does it cost to reseal it? Is ipe really worth the cost? After all, it’s one of the most beautiful and expensive kinds of wood available. In addition to being beautiful, ipe decking also requires regular maintenance to maintain its natural beauty.
Cost of Ipe
If you are thinking about installing Ipe decking for your backyard, you should be aware of the fact that it can turn grey or silver with exposure to sunlight. To prevent this, you should consider using UV Plus or UV Oil. If you do not want your Ipe deck to turn grey, you can also skip oiling it. However, you should consider the fact that ipe is a type of wood that is not likely to take staining well.
Ipe wood is naturally fire-resistant, scratch and bug-resistant. When exposed to the elements, it stays cooler and does not support mold growth. Moreover, it is resistant to rot, unlike other types of wood. Even if the wood turns grey, it can easily be changed back to its dark brown color by oiling and sanding. This can be quite costly, but the cost of refinishing Ipe decking can be much lower than the cost of replacing the entire deck.
If you want to install Ipe decking in your backyard, you should remember that the wood travels about 7,874 miles from Brazil to the US. That’s a long way. That means that if you haven’t installed Ipe decking yet, you should definitely consider the alternative. Unlike ipe, composite wood will not fade over time, so you can be assured of the durability of your investment.
It is important to note that Ipe costs more than other types of wood. Although Ipe is durable, it is prone to splinters. Even a small splinter will quickly turn grey and become infected. The best way to clean Ipe is with a wood cleaning product. The Penofin(r) Pro-Tech wood cleaner removes surface dirt. To make it safe, you should apply it to the wood in the direction of the grain and then rinse it off with water.
In some cases, Ipe decks can be restored to their original look by hiring professionals. This is an extremely time-consuming process, but it can be done if you have the funds to do so. However, the process is not easy and requires regular maintenance. If you do choose to do this, make sure you are well aware of the cost of ipe turning grey. So, what should you do if you notice your deck turning grey?
Maintenance of ipe decking
If your Ipe decking is starting to look a bit grey, you may want to consider adding a sealant. While untreated Ipe tends to develop a silver patina, which is the result of the wood’s dried natural oils. This can damage the wood. However, with proper maintenance, your Ipe deck should fade gracefully between regular maintenance visits. If your Ipe has begun to fade or turn grey, you should consider pressure washing it to restore the brown color.
Regular cleaning is essential for maintaining an ipe deck, as spills, mud, and other dirt can cause this wood to turn grey. Clean the wood regularly, especially during the changing of the seasons. If you use the deck for outdoor entertaining, be sure to remove all debris to keep it clean and clear. In addition, don’t forget to hose down the deck to remove rusty objects that may have gotten on the deck.
Occasionally, the surface of Ipe decking can require some TLC before it can be installed. The wood has traveled thousands of miles and has been exposed to all sorts of contaminants. As a result, some boards are already marked with water stains, mold, and mineral deposits. You can also expect your new decking to have some water marks, a raised grain, and a torn section.
Although Ipe wood is extremely dense and resistant to insects, it can be damaged and will eventually turn grey. Most common culprits include hot liquids and heavy metal furniture. The good news is that you can replace damaged boards and keep your deck looking beautiful. However, remember that the only way to replace an Ipe board is to purchase one that is of a common size. A less common size will cause problems with replacement, so it’s best to stick with the more standard sizes.
Ipe decking needs to be prefinished with a wood sealant every year to maintain its new look. Pre-finishing helps achieve proper acclimation on site. Oil-based sealers are more effective on ipe, but an initial coating will fade and will require additional sealant to protect it. Another option is to apply additional coatings to the deck. A thin layer of ultraviolet-blocking finish is the best option.
Cost of resealing ipe decking
Ipe decking is a common wood choice for building exteriors. Its high density and durability make it a popular choice for a wide range of outdoor applications, from decking to siding and fencing. Costs can vary widely based on length and quality, but in general, you should expect to spend $2.50 to $3.00 per linear foot. If you’re considering building your deck from Ipe, make sure to plan accordingly as maintenance will be necessary to protect it from environmental damage.
While ipe wood can last as long as 50 years without requiring resealing, it will fade to a silver-gray color if you don’t protect it from the sun. You may need to sand and power-wash it periodically to keep it looking good. If you’re not interested in maintaining Ipe wood, consider replacing it with synthetically manufactured wood decking. These synthetic alternatives are made of the same materials and have the same look and durability.
Unlike synthetic materials, resealing Ipe decking will not damage the wood. It can only require minor cleaning, but a regular resealing will prolong its life by about 20 years. Another cost to consider is the amount of time it will take to clean the decking. It’s possible to clean a TimberTech AZEK deck using a natural fiber brush.
Ipe wood is highly resistant to rot and insects, so resealing is not a major undertaking. The wood is also resistant to fungus, termites, and insects, which means resealing is not necessary every year. Ipe decking is known to last up to 70 years with minimal maintenance. In addition, resealing can improve the overall appearance of the deck. In addition, resealing prevents cracking and splintering.
In addition to resealing, Ipe decking can be prefinished with Penofin Hardwood Formula or another UV inhibitor before it is installed. This process helps a deck’s acclimation to its new location. Oil-based sealers penetrate high-density hardwoods, but the initial coating will fade quickly. A second coat will last longer and protect the wood from UV rays. Additional sealing is optional based on your preference.
Cost of sanding ipe to allow ipe to turn grey
If you want to avoid the high cost of staining and sealing your Ipe deck, you can save a considerable amount of money by sanding the wood and allowing it to naturally turn grey. It is important to note, though, that if you don’t use UV Finisher on your deck, it will turn silvery grey. Therefore, you should always pre-screw any screw holes to avoid wearing down your saw blades.
Ipe wood is very expensive, but it is one of the most durable and aesthetically pleasing woods available. It doesn’t require regular maintenance, and can even be used near water because of its high density and resistance to moisture. Another benefit of using Ipe is that it is fire resistant – a great advantage for outdoor projects. Sanding it down will also make it look greyer – which adds to the appeal.
Ipe is a popular material because of its durability and aesthetics. However, it is often illegally harvested. Brazilian loggers and officials are accused of logging more than is legal, resulting in a deforestation problem. Ipe is also highly pricey, and it costs roughly $3.50 to $5 per square foot. However, the benefits outweigh the expense of sanding it. If you want to use this beautiful hardwood for your projects, you should make sure to choose certified Ipe.
Unlike cedar and redwood, Ipe is a more durable hardwood than the other two species. Ipe can adapt to temperature fluctuations more than the other two. In humid climates, it can tolerate high humidity. In dry climates, however, it is susceptible to fading. To prevent this, you should use UV protection on your Ipe deck before sealing it. In humid areas, awnings or other structures will help keep the deck protected.
