Iron Woods® brand Ipe decking is a dense wood with
exceptional durability and naturally beautiful grain patterns.

To maximize the performance and appearance of this incredible
wood please read this guide before beginning construction.

 

• IRON WOODS Ipe decking is supplied as partially dried lumber and is for outdoor use only.
  
• Store out of direct sunlight and allow the wood to acclimate and stabilize to installation area humidity before installing.
• Adequate ventilation of the deck is essential for long-term stability and to minimize cupping.  Proper air ventilation allows air to flow in from outside the deck area, under the joists and up through the gaps between the deck boards.
• Allow a 1/8” gap between deck boards for drainage and airflow. End to end butt joints are installed without a gap.
• Decking may shrink approximately 1/16” on 4” wide and 1/8” on 6” wide decking. In hot or dry areas you may experience additional shrinkage. Kiln dried decking can shrink or expand 1/16" in dry or moist areas.
• Decking may develop surface checks and larger dimensional lumber sizes generally have surface checks.
• Carbide tipped saw blades and high quality drills are recommended for smooth cuts.
• Some air dried boards may show marks from sticker or breather strips.  Generally these marks and water marks blend in when the sealer is applied.  If still visible they will dissipate during the next year as the deck fades.   
  

VENTILATION

§   Seal all ends immediately after cutting with “Anchorseal” clear wax end sealer (available from your Iron Woods dealer) in order to reduce end checking.

To install IRON WOODS, pre-drill a pilot hole and countersink and then fasten with high quality stainless steel trim head screws (available at Iron Woods dealers).

• Pre drill to the screw shank diameter and a countersink to avoid splitting, even when using “self-drilling” screws.
• Use a minimum 2-1/4” long screws on net 3/4” or 1” decking.
• Galvanized/coated screws or steel/iron products generally cause black staining.
• Use two screws to attach decking to each joist.
• Proper fastener length is typically the wood thickness times 2-1/2".
• Screw and Plug alternative method: Pre-drill and counter bore for the screw and Ipe 3/8” diameter plug no more than 1 /4”deep. Glue the plugs with marine grade epoxy and sand flush.

FINISHING

Seal IRON WOODS immediately after installation to reduce the potential for surface checking. If installing over a prolonged period or during hot weather sealing after each phase is recommended.

To maintain a rich walnut color: use a transparent penetrating oil based sealer with UV inhibitors in a trans-oxide pigmented “cedar tone” and reapply annually or as needed.

Consider brands similar to:
Penofin; 800. 736.6346 / www.penofin.com
Superdeck Transparent; 800.825.5382 / www.superdeck.com
Messmers UV; 800.731.3669 I www.messmers.com
Cabot’s Timber Oil; 800.877.8246/www.cabotstain.com

If a natural weathering to a silver gray is desired: use a clear oil based sealer or Products similar to:

          New Wood Defender (Seasonite); 800.321.3444 / www.floodco.com.

           Olympic Clear Wood Preservative, 800-441-9695, www.olympic.com

• Before application of sealers, brush and clean the surface to remove dirt, dust, and sticker residue.
• Due to the density, brush on a thin coat or a sticky surface may result.
• Periodic cleaning will enhance the appearance of your deck.
• To return silver gray wood to the original color, use a “wood brightener”. Careful power washing and/or sanding can help to remove the grayed wood.
• Other types of oil and water based coatings have been used. However, fully test samples from several boards to determine their compatibility with Iron Woods™.
• Sealing after First Coat™: If you want the silvery grey appearance, simply let the wood weather into it's silvery gray color. If you want to maintain a rich walnut color, follow the instructions above and apply the UV sealer before the deck color is faded. Any handling marks in the First Coat will blend in when the sealer is applied.