Well, there are many wood options for outdoor decks but if you ask me I am going to have to say Ipe!\! I hate saying because I am not one to list favorites… but for me there is little comparison, I mean yes, there are some woods such as Tigerwood and Garapa come extremely close 2nd and 3rd. But like I said, if I had to choose the best deck wood for me would be Ipe!
So, this is why
1. All 3 are naturally weather resistant
2. All 3 are naturally insect resistant
3. All 3 are extremely beautiful
4. All 3 are very easy to maintain
5. All 3 are dense, strong, durable woods
But here is why Ipe stands out to me the most.
1. It is vertically unaffected by dog scratches
2. It is unmarked by high heel scratches
So there you have it, my reasons for choosing Ipe, though, with just one glance as my quick list you can see why any of the 3 would be an amazing wood choice!
Moving on… So, still rolling with the Ipe name, the best wood deck sealer and stain could possibly be Ipe Oil. This is a great sealer/stain for anyone installing an ipe deck just adding to the already amazing benefits of this wonderful wood. U.V. ray protection, water protection, reduces cracking and warping, and in one simple statement, it keeps your wood looking new. This finishing oil is not only great for Ipe but also for Tigerwood and Garapa as well as many other solid beautiful hardwoods. Ipe and other exotic woods do take a little more with regular recoating, you will want to recoat your wood about once a year with a good sealer to keep it looking and feeling its best! Also, think about the color you choose, if you went with a clear coat to keep the natural color of you wood then that is great but remember if you choose a lighter color the stain will fade faster than with a dark color. Also, choosing a finish with a red pigment will help prevent UV fades causing the wood to fade faster.
What is the important thing to remember when staining and sealing woods like Ipe, Tigerwood or Garapa? You need to choose a stain that is designed for the exotic hardwoods of Brazil; these woods are very dense making it far more difficult for a stain or finish to penetrate than other woods. Lots of sealers just won’t work causing you to waste your time, efforts and money and leaving you unhappy with the outcome. You need to really check the brand of stain or sealer you buy they must say on them that they are meant for exotic hardwoods, they may even say Ipe, Tigerwood and other Brazilian woods listened on there. If they do not say any of this than my guess is they won’t work, you may be looking to spend a little more than if just an ordinary stain but remember your outdoor deck is not built from ordinary wood, your wood is Everlasting!
