skip to main content

Porches & Decks

Ipe deck white railing options?

17 years ago

I'm planning on having a 15 x 12 foot elevated deck built off of our kitchen. The deck will have stairs leading down to our back patio. Thanks to reading a wealth of information on this site I have chosen Ipe wood for the deck planks and will probably use TWP 516 to stain. From what I gather the 116 isn't available in NJ. My wife (the boss when it comes to aesthetics) wants a white railing to match our house trim. The deck will be under some tree cover and gets mostly shade. I'm concerened about maitenance involved in painting real wood and my wife feels that using aluminum ballusters is to modern a look for our old house. Vynil just looks to plasticy to me so the only other option I can think of is composite. I understand that staining and mold can be a problem with composites and the shade and tree cover of my location have me questioning what to do. Has anyone tried Weatherbest white railing? From my research I understand that they add zinc borate to the product to minimize mold. Not sure if this actually works and staining could still be a problem. I realize that there is no such thing as a maintenance free deck so am I better off just painting real wood?

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (4)

srercrcr
17 years ago
I painted smooth cedar rails (2 X 6) along with 6 X 6 posts to contrast with composite flooring. My experience is that if the caulking is thorough and a quality paint is used, paint is good. If the caulk is shabby, water will reach the wood and you're dead. Keeping it clean will apply to any material. Cedar is very stable, doesn't twist. Pass this on to the boss, and enjoy the project.
pressurepros
17 years ago
srercrc is going to think I am picking on him but I wouldn't use cedar if you are going to paint. New growth cedar is horrible with respect to rot. A small amount of moisture will rot it right to the core (and quickly). Why not use the cheapest material (PTP) and properly prep and stain it with a solid. Solid stains offer breathability whereas paint does not. On verticals you should be fine with keeping it clean and maintained like sre recommended. I would guess every 4-5 years you would need to recoat.
Related Discussions
color of railings on ipe deck
Q
Comments (1)
Here's a photo of my deck after I had it painted and stained/treated. Looks great, but the decking has now faded to a silver grey. Working now to get it restained/treated so it looks like it did when first built. I loved the look of the dark ipe and white railings, steps but it is quite costly to maintain. http://community.webshots.com/photo/199271721/1200072069051912003hsQdKq Here is a link that might be useful: ipe deck, with white rails
...See More
Ipe Deck and Cable Rail Inspiration & Advice
Q
Comments (6)
We're in the North Bay (SF Bay Area), so I am incredibly disappointed that the much touted TWP is not an option. Do you do a wet-on-wet application of the Penofin? Ideally I'd love the finish to last a couple of years. Any way to keep the ipe looking great for that long?? I've since moved from the ipe posts to a black powder-coated aluminum, by Feeney (Design Rail). I was surprised by how pricey they are (isn't everything?), but I think it will be a clean, contemporary look. I was a little afraid that the wooden posts would render a bit more of a rustic feel than I ideally was hoping for. And, yes, we'll be doing an ipe cap. My neighbors stairs ARE protected from the sun. However, our deck is pretty much in full sun...alternating with full fog. So, Penofin... What color do you recommend? And, do you put it on immediately after installation or do you let the deck "weather" a bit? And other prep work after installation before staining?? Many, many thanks!!!!
...See More
Ipe Deck and Cedar Posts and Rails - Help!
Q
Comments (20)
When I hear of someone using cedar for railing, I feel I must tell them of my experience.18 years ago the popular belief( at least at my lumberyard) was that cedar was low maintainence and lasts forever. So I sided, trimmed, railed and decked w/ cedar( white cedarsiding, red cedar everywhere else). It was beautiful afterward. We stained w/cabots, used sikins on the deck. After 5 years we noticed, especially the deck and rail, that everywhere cedar touched cedar( the butt joint at the post/ rail and post /deck) it was getting soft. We hadn't sealed the end grain before installation nor did we caulk each joint. By year 12 the railings fell off and the posts and decking boards rotted along each edge ( we didn't space the deck boards enough, thinking they would shrink- they might have even expanded). A word to the wise, wait until a stretch of dry weather and silicone caulk those joints. Fine Homebuilding Magazine recognized this problem and published an article a few years after we built and after the damage was done. They recommended geotextiles layered between built up trim and cutting chamfer grouves at the butt joints for the caulk to adhere better- esentially a miniture pitch pocket for the caulk. Good luck w/ the cedar.
...See More
White railing with Ipe
Q
Comments (3)
I'm in the same boat- looking for a composit railing w/ a wood top rail ( hate painting pickets). I just found two products that look good but I have no idea about how they will hold up. Fairway makes a railing system w/ a real spanish cypress toprail. And Monarch makes a vinyl rail w/ a simulated tigerwood or simulated mahogany top rail called chameleon. Looked real purty a Home Depot. Maybe we can get some input from the pros.
...See More
srercrcr
17 years ago
No offense taken, PP. I guess in my limited experience I haven't seen the problem you speak of. All the trim on my ten year old house has painted smooth and rough cedar...the only problems I've had is where the caulk cracked and started rot. I'm a little surprised you're recommending PT...it moves to wherever it wants to go.
pressurepros
17 years ago
The key to using PTP is to 1) get KDAT pressure treated lumber from a lumber yard as opposed to HD or Lowes and 2) get it treated as soon as is possible.

Related Stories

CONTEMPORARY HOMES Houzz Tour: Gaining Space and Options With a Flex Room

By Becky Harris

See how a new entryway bonus room increases dining and entertaining possibilities, and improves this California home’s flow

DECKS Decking Materials Beyond Basic Lumber

By Ventana Construction LLC

Learn about softwoods, tropical hardwoods, composites and more for decks, including pros, cons and costs

REMODELING GUIDES Are You Gutsy Enough to Paint Your Floor White?

By KitchenLab Interiors

Sleek and glossy or softened by wear, white floors charm

REMODELING GUIDES Flat-Sawn Balusters Give Railings All-Out Style

By Rachel Grace

Showcase designs from Victorian patterns to hints at your hobby with this decorative wood railing detail

WHITE How to Pick the Right White Paint

By Kelly Porter

White is white, right? Not quite. See 8 white paint picks for 8 very different effects

WHITE What to Know Before You Paint Your Walls White

By Kimberly Collins Jermain

A coat of white paint can do wonders in one room and wreak havoc in another. Here are tips for using the popular hue

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Choosing a Deck: Plastic or Wood?

By Vanessa Brunner

Get the pros and cons of wood, plastic, composite and more decking materials, plus a basic price comparison

GREAT HOME PROJECTS How to Refinish a Wood Deck

By Christine Tusher

Keep your deck looking its best — and save feet from splinters — by applying a new stain and sealant every year or so

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Book to Know: 'Deck Ideas That Work'

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

Considering a new deck? Peter Jeswald's handy volume offers loads of design and material ideas

DECORATING GUIDES Branches and Twigs for More Than Just Decor

By Becky Dietrich, Interior Designer

Think beyond the vase with twigged-out railings, gates, room dividers and more

Sponsored

More Discussions

Can I screen in my front porch to keep my cat from escaping?

4

Take it to the next level of CUTENESS

7

new shutters? door paint

7

patio cover suggestions

5

Can I sand down the surface of my flagstone patio?

0