So you’ve installed a beautiful and sturdy Ipe railing on your deck, and it looks absolutely stunning. But now the question is: How do you keep it that way? Here at ABS Wood, we have a lot of clients asking us about Ipe railing maintenance, and we are more than happy to share our expertise on how you can keep your wood railing looking like new for years to come.
Does Ipe need a lot of maintenance?
Before we dive right into Ipe maintenance tips, let’s talk about the elephant in the room: maintenance concerns. A lot of people assume that wood railing means high maintenance. But that’s not entirely true, especially when it comes to Ipe railing.
Ipe is one of the (if not the most) durable and long-lasting wood species out there. It is naturally resistant to rot, decay, insects, and even fire. That’s why it has been used for centuries in outdoor structures like decks, fences, and railings.
The life span of Ipe is estimated to be around 50 years, and with proper maintenance, it can last even longer. So, if you’re worried about the maintenance aspect of having an Ipe railing, don’t be.
What’s your goal?
Over time, Ipe wood naturally changes to a silvery gray shade after being installed for a few months. If you like this weathered look, regular cleaning is all you need to keep your railing in good condition.
If you want to keep the original color of your Ipe wood, apply a penetrating finish with a strong UV inhibitor when you install it. This helps preserve the rich brown tones of the Ipe and protects it from fading in the sun.
If your Ipe railing has turned a silvery gray over time, you can bring back its original brown color. To do this, you just need to clean off the gray layer on the surface using a wood cleaner. Another option is careful pressure washing, which can also reveal the fresh, natural wood underneath.
Do you need finishers?
Ipe wood is naturally tough and doesn’t need to be sealed. Its dense structure keeps water out, so it won’t warp, crack, or splinter like other types of wood. It stays smooth and strong, turning a silver color as it ages, and lasts much longer than most woods without needing any chemical treatments.
However, if you want to keep the original color of your Ipe wood, you’ll need to use a wood finish. Choose a product with strong UV protection to prevent fading from the sun. Some finishes used by local builders last about 1-2 years, but how often you’ll need to reapply depends on where you live and how much sun and weather your deck gets.
Be sure not to use too much finisher. Adding too much makes the surface sticky and can ruin the look of your deck by causing puddles to form. It’s better to apply a thin, even coat and wipe off any extra with a clean rag. Some people use a small push broom to apply it faster, but we’re not sure how well this works over time. To reapply, just clean your deck and repeat the same steps as your first application.
How about pressure washing?
Be careful when using a pressure washer, as it can leave streaks if the pressure or movement isn’t even. Move the washer steadily across the wood to avoid marks where water soaks in unevenly. Start with a small area to get the hang of it before doing the whole deck.
For more tips and tricks on maintaining your Ipe wood railing and deck, call us at 404-549-4840 or 352-508-4990.