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Porches & Decks

Brand new ipe deck finish

15 years ago

We've just spent $25K on a brand new ipe deck and need to have it finished. The guys who built it seem really good and recommended a friend. The friend was just here and said that he would do a power wash followed by two coats and it would take him 3 days. Does this sound like a reasonable approach? No sanding? How hard is it to do this yourself? (The deck is 15' off the ground at its highest point and never less than 9'.)

Thanks for any advice.

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Comments (3)

carolina_prowash
15 years ago
Take a look at the WoodRich site.....there are products, descriptions, instructions, professional listings, galleries of photos!

The time frame indicated is not unreasonable. As far as doing it yourself, do some reading on the WoodRich site. It might take you a little longer so weigh your time versus what a pro would charge you!

Celeste

Here is a link that might be useful: Woodrich Brand store & information site
xterra
15 years ago
rdoust I built a 1100 sf Ipe deck last fall, and finished it this spring. depending on condition of the wood, ie sticker, construction marks etc a light sanding may be in order. I chose to lightly sand with 60 grit sand paper with orbital sander. then I cleaned, with rad cleaner system, and finished with woodzotic. unfortunate that rad and woodzotic no longer available. Check out the woodrichbrand.com site they have a product, that is supposed to be the same as woodzotic. the woodzotic really worked well I will try the woodrich stain next year.

I dont know about power washing, it takes some skill in not damaging the wood. there have been some horror stories on this site about badly marked wood from too much pressure,or too close.I did all the prep, cleaning and staining myself over 4 days with a couple of days in between the cleanning part. I would question experiance with Ipe, the number of guys. back and knees were sore, but I saved a grand or so. It is not hard to do yourself, saves cash, depends on how much time you have. Bob
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HI Ya Jack!! I am still waiting for that gift cert at my local wine store. I havent used Ken's new outdoor finish,he keeps telling me the samples are in the mail, there are some posts over here with Folks puting it on new projects with good resluts. I am a twp kinda guy right now I have no reason to change. After using the stuff for 7 years or so I can offer what I have seen and done. The first coat wont last all that long( with any outdoor finish this is true) If the Wallet pays for a one year contract I wait for hmmmm three moons or so in good weather I clean/ put another coat on. Ater another 2 months I lightly acid wash/clean and put another coat on this coat will take a little while to set up. Usually this built up finish lasts for two years or so my best yet is three years. The thing is most Folks dont want me back all that often they want to live on the deck and have some relax time and mabey give me a call in 5 years or so when the thing has gone gray. With my jobs that do have that built up finish I never have to strip the old twp off just clean and put on another one. My own S American project out back is coming up on 7 years its just now showing sighs of need,the cap rail is a simmi gloss I can see the reflection of my hand on it. Keep in mind Jack and all you good Folks I do this for a living, I only do my own Wallets if I get a call for refinish that I dident build I recline. I dont really care if twp is used or not this is what I have done and seen Yo all have a good time come this weekend,ride safe,ride hard, stash the kids at Mom's, take your Girl out to the blues bar and go Dancing. John
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anita-b
15 years ago
Hi --
I have an ipe deck that's about 10 years old. When we first built it, the supplier that sold us the wood recommended Penofin (Exotic Hardwood Penetrating Oil Finish). Penofin is the only finish we've ever put on the deck, and we've done it ourselves (meaning, my husband did it). I think he just brushes it on. Usually he does two coats, letting it dry completely in-between -- about a day for drying. The ipe takes on a very dark brown finish after the coating -- it's really quite beautiful, and furniture-ish.

It's difficult for me to relate to the idea of sanding the ipe. I think the most my husband ever did to prep for the Penofin is a quick power-wash. Perhaps these other products mentioned are wonderful, but I'll continue with the Penofin. We usually skip a summer in-between Penofin coatings, it's that long-lasting.

Good luck with your project.
Anita

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