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DIYamateur

11:43AM | 04/09/09
Member Since: 04/08/09
2 lifetime posts
Bvlawn
We recently moved into a house and would like to treat the deck. A close-up image of the decking is attached.

The grain shown is reflective of all the deck boards. Contractors who have stopped by haven't been able to help much with a definitive identification; their guesses range from mahogany or ipe to pressure treated lumber. Our guess is that its ipe or mahogany.

Based on the image, does anyone have insight on the type of wood?

Also, how should we remove the existing faded, red solid-color stain?

Any recommended products to apply on the wood once the existing stain is removed?

The deck is roughly 15 x 52 feet. We weren't thrilled with an estimate we received for removing/applying stain and painting the rails.
1598-identifying_and_trea

SeptemberAmyx

11:41PM | 07/27/09
Member Since: 07/27/09
1 lifetime posts
It's definitely not ipe. I have three decks built with ipe at my home, and the grain on ipe is very obvious and distinctive. Your grain looks completely different. This link shows the grain patterns of all the Brazilian hardwoods bare and with finishing oil treatment.

http://www.abswood.com/pages/flood_compare.htm

DIYamateur

03:03PM | 05/17/10
Member Since: 04/08/09
2 lifetime posts
Sorry for the delayed response. After sanding the deck manually last summer, we were able to figure out that the deck is in fact Ipe. Its a shame that it was covered with a solid red stain, but it looks great now. It has since weathered to a silver hue. The deck is the same age as the house (12 years), and everything has held up pretty well; there are only a few boards that need to be replaced.

Does anyone recommend applying an oil treatment, or should it be left to weather naturally? The decision seems to be a matter of personal preference.


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