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Porches & Decks

Preparing IPE deck to go gray

10 years ago

I'm building a deck with #2 IPE that I got at a deep discount. The wood is sound, but there are the odd scratches and markings, wax spills, and some have a rough surface.

I intend to let the deck go gray, and don't want to use any oil unless necessary. How would you recommend preparing this deck to go gray?

If I sand the surface (50 grit, Ridgid ROS as per earlier recs), do I have to treat it with timber oil/penofin after to look decent / stay good, or can I just leave it alone?

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Comment (1)

pixburd
10 years ago
The wax spills may be there to prevent checking -- the ends splitting because they dry faster than the rest of the board.

You don't need to do anything -- it will slowly gray as the sun beats on it. Sanding is only necessary to prevent splinters.

If you do coat it, it will only delay the graying, and that's why some folks re-treat it every year or so, but all it does is maintain the color.
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