IPE decking boards checking - normal? (with pictures)
mrmichaeljmoore
15 years ago
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john_hyatt
15 years agoRelated Discussions
IPE - Checking on boards, not on ends
Comments (7)My husband and I are very disappointed with the Mangaris deck we had installed this past year. The boards have curled and are starting to split. After applying the recommended oil finish, every bit of dirt sticks to the deck. The wood is very splintery which did not improve after a light sanding. Unfortunately, we topped our handrails with it which is a concern when using the stairs. Initially it was gorgeous, but perhaps it could not handle our wet winter and harsh summer here in Southern California....See MoreIpe decking quality - pictures attached
Comments (12)Well, the invoice only says "D4S," which I understand means "dressed four sides," similar to S4S or "smooth four sides." The local company website says: "We stock only 100% heartwood, rich reddish brown." I assumed that would mean premium or 1st quality. Their website displays the Ironwoods brand ipe logo. I believe I recognize the piece with sapwood - the very light blond streak on the edge (3rd board from the top in the photo below)? There's another board (not pictured) with something similar. Should I replace that board - would I run into trouble with rot down the road? Also, one board is already checking all along its length - particularly within lighter colored radial grain patterns. Would it be wise to replace this, or is this acceptable? Another board I noticed today has a very sharp lengthwise edge extending about 5 feet, as if it hadn't been eased. I wish my contractor had noticed that before installing it. Thinking about popping it out and replacing. Practically 25% of the boards delivered had unacceptable flaws on both sides. I paid more per lineal foot than East Teak and Advantage Lumber had quoted ... but I liked the idea of going with a local, reputable company and the total came out about the same since I saved on shipping. I'm going tomorrow to pick out new boards to replace the unusable ones they selected and delivered to us. Any advice on recognizing better quality boards? I'll try and stay away from the lightest colored ones and any with obvious defects (knots, gouges, machine skip, etc.)....See MoreUsing 12" wide 5/4 Ipe deck boards
Comments (1)Unless they are quarter sawn they have a decent chance of changing shape. Look in chapter 3 at figure 3-3 (page 8 of the chapter) it shows how wood distorts in shape as moisture content varies depending on the location in the tree the wood was cut from. Quarter sawn wood has the tangential and radial directions aligned to the board and has less change in shape from 'nominal.' Part of the overall change depends on how large the trunk was. At 12 inches wide it IS going to move though. The gaps between boards and thickness will vary significantly. Checking (splitting that starts at a cut end) may also be more likely. There is NO finish that will prevent the movement, just slow the water going in and out of the wood slightly. Larger dimensions have more movement. Here is a link that might be useful: Wood Handbook...See MoreIPE (21mm) deck boards
Comments (4)Jon, Yes, I agree and thanks for the rebuke :) . There isn't a problem now and I suppose it was more of a concern. My Porter Cable (wide plate) did most of the cutting. I opted out on the Dremel. I did a test and yes, the smoke was a pillar, and I thought I would destroy my Dremel. So, off to Lowes for a Bosch, flush cut, reprocating saw. It was worth the extra money and after a test cut I had no concerns. There may be other brands and locations out there but I like Bosch. I have the end board layed out and screwed onto the frame. Counter sunk screws with 3/8" bit, 1/8" predrilled holes, and the IPE torx head screws, holes plugged and wood glued....See Moreaidan_m
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15 years ago
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mrmichaeljmooreOriginal Author