No drain holes does not sound good. I am going make the holes larger on mine because a large area of my deck holds water because the holes get clogged. Everything I can think of to protect the flooring would/could cause other problems. Sorry

I love jalousie windows, but it's been so long since I've seen them that I can't remember if they have screens. If they do I'd think about changing the screen instead of finding window treatments that would block that much needed breeze. We recently changed our standard fiberglass screen to solar shade screens. During the day you can't see inside unless your nose is pressed up against the screens. At night when lights are on behind something you can see shadows, but if lights are between you and the window then you still have complete privacy. We got ours at Lowes last year, but noticed this year they only carry them in one size, 36" x 84" and are a different brand. New York Wire and are called Sun Guard 90. I believe they were about eight dollars a roll. Here is a link that might be useful: New York Wire Sun Guard 90

Hi Mags438, Well, Ipe can be the answer but its always about how much maintenance is too much maintenance for you. Typically, Ipe in a very well covered porch will do wonderfully. Yes, Ipe is rot, termite, mildew, resistant but not fully maintenance free. Then again, how many products truly are maintenance free? The t&g look you're looking for is wonderful and it is meant to be used for a well covered porch. This means that almost no sun gets on the deck, no rain or snow either. This will minimize any movement allowing you to have the t&g without any buckling. Now, if the porch will be well covered it means that Ipe won't suffer from the harmful UV rays that fade out the color. Your results will be like dancingsams's porch a coat of oil perhaps every 4 years, maybe less. Maintenance will be required such as sweeping it, and maybe washing some spots if there are stains. Sanding might be limited to only any deep scratches made but it isn't necessary for the day to day maintenance. Attached are a few pictures of some porches that have used our woods: Ipe, and Cumaru. I hope that you find your solution and your project turns out terrific.

Hi all. I put this in decks, porches but maybe due to time of year, doesn't seem too active. Maybe I can get some feedback from here? Hi all. I need to replace a covered porch floor...again. To date, it's been replaced with t&g pressure treated pine. Tired of replacing it and looking for a longer lasting material. I thought ipe t&g was the answer. After a few years of looking for a experienced local contractor, I thought I was ready to pull the trigger. Now I'm having 2nd thoughts. The deets: it's an older circa 1900s victorian style house with a covered porch. The flooring on all same homes is tongue and groove and is more like a floor vs. a deck style. I also prefer the look of a floor vs a deck style for this location. It gets some western exposure but the porch is covered. The porch floor sits above ground by a couple of feet, so air circulation under the flooring should not be an issue. I'm looking for a wood floor solution that, ideally, will last about 20 years *before* it starts showing wear. Looking for easy maintenance as we are aging. Maybe I'm asking for too much. Ipe was the answer...I thought. I really wanted to stain it but as I read more and more, I'm not so sure it wouldn't be a nightmare to maintain. I didn't expect ipe to be 'no maintenance', maybe I thought, 'easy' maintenance. I'm already confused on what the maintenance procedure should be if I did go with ipe. Sand? No sand? Twp 116 or cabots timber oil...or was that Rubio monocoat? Any input from homeowners who have ipe installed? Thanks weedy acres for your posted feedback deck/porch (and in other forums). Any advice on helping me make a decision on materials? Ideally, I'm looking for a one-and-done install with easy maintenance ongoing. Thanks