Freshly Stained Ipe Deck in Coraopolis, PA
John from Pennsylvania sent us these photos of his stained ipe deck, before and after he used our Hardwood Wiping Stain. The craftsmanship that went into this deck is clear. We were thrilled to see that John is taking care of it by choosing the best stain for protection and a color that complements the wood’s natural beauty.
Why Hardwood Stain and Softwood Stain Are Different
Ipe is a hardwood, a group of denser wood types that offer higher natural resistance to the elements. The most common hardwoods used in construction are oak, maple, and walnut. Ipe is is a subset that is usually referred to as “exotic hardwoods.” Exotic hardwoods also include garapa, mahogany, teak, and cambbara.
Hardwoods are often much more expensive than softwoods like cedar, redwood, or pine. They are denser and the natural oils in the wood resist rot, moisture damage, and the negative effects of heat and UV rays from the sun. These factors make ipe and other exotic hardwoods a wise choice for additions and structures you want to last for decades.
While softwoods readily soak up stains, staining a hardwood deck absolutely needs the right preparation to accept the oils. So while the Deep Penetrating Timber Oil will saturate and protect your standard pine or cedar deck, the same recipe is not ideal for exotic hardwoods. Woodrich Brand Hardwood Wiping Stain contains an extremely high pigment content and long oil alkyd resins to pack as much into the shallow penetration that hardwoods accept.
How to Stain an Ipe Deck
The good news is that hardwoods are just as easy to stain as softwoods if you choose the right stain compounds and the best tools for staining a deck. We recommend using a sprayer on any large surfaces to quickly and evenly apply a layer of the Hardwood Wiping Stain. Then, using a handheld wiping pad, simply wipe down any detailed part of the wood or touch up the edges of the deck.
Prepared wood will readily absorb Woodrich Brands stains, so any accidental double applications like drips, overlaps, or splatters will dry to an even color. A DIY deck staining project is very forgiving to beginners when you use a high-quality stain.
It is important to prepare the wood as John did for his deck. Our Hardwood Deck, Fence, & Siding Restoration Project Kit includes the stain and a wood cleaner and wood brightener, to ensure you get the best results.
Before Staining: Ipe Deck
Honestly? This ipe deck looked pretty solid before it was stained again. You can see the natural wood, after being stripped and cleaned. Exotic hardwoods can last for many years past the average lifespan of a standard pine deck, so it is no surprise that it still looks great here. But, a large investment like an ipe deck demands proper care and maintenance – and John is handling it perfectly by protecting his deck with the Woodrich Brand Hardwood Wiping Stain.
After: Stained Ipe Deck
The smooth boards of ipe look dazzling after a fresh coat of the wiping stain! John did a fantastic job updating and protecting his deck. No doubt passing drivers will be jealous of the updated look – we hope John tells them how easy it was to do it himself.
It looks like John chose the Amaretto color for his deck, but with individual wood characteristics and lighting, it can be hard to be certain. For first-time customers or people looking to change up their look, the Sample Color Kit is the best way to test out all four options. Amaretto, Brown Sugar, Warm Honey Gold, and Western Cedar are all popular for deck staining projects. And we can even blend colors together to find the best stain for your deck.
Plan Your Spring DIY Deck Staining Project
If you aren’t sure where to start, give our Project Support Hotline a call at (636) 288-8512. The team here is excited about all the possibilities that warm weather will bring this spring. But it’s never too early to start planning out a spring DIY project. So whether you have an ipe deck, some cedar stairs, or a pine pergola, get started today.