What Happens If You Never Oil an Ipe Deck?

ipe wood decking grey

Ipe is one of the most durable decking materials, but homeowners often wonder whether regular oiling is necessary to keep it that way. You do not have to oil an Ipe deck for the wood to remain naturally durable. However, if you never apply a finish, the deck’s color will change over time. Without a …

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Garapa vs. Ipe: Is the Extra Cost of Ipe Worth It?

ipe vs garapa decking

When comparing hardwood decking, Garapa and Ipe are two options worth considering. Both are durable tropical hardwoods that can be used for decking and other exterior projects, and both offer natural resistance to insects and decay. The biggest differences come down to hardness, appearance, and price. Ipe is known for its exceptional durability and dark, …

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Ipe vs. Teak Decking: Which Premium Hardwood Fits Your Project?

ipe vs teak decking

Look, I’ll just say it up front: I’ve had this conversation more times than I can count. Teak carries a reputation that boat builders built over centuries. Indeed, they reached for it because the oils kept hulls from rotting in salt water. At the same time, furniture makers reached for it because the boards stayed …

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What Happens to Ipe Decking During the Fall and Winter?

hardwood deck ice melt web wm

Ipe is known for being one of the most durable hardwoods available for outdoor projects. Its density and natural resistance to decay make it a popular choice for decks exposed to changing weather throughout the year. But what actually happens to Ipe decking when fall arrives and winter follows? Falling leaves, rain, freezing temperatures, snow, …

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Ipe vs. Cumaru: Which Hardwood Decking Is Best?

ipe vs cumaru

If you’re shopping for premium hardwood decking, chances are you’ve narrowed your choices to Ipe and Cumaru. These two South American hardwoods have earned a reputation for exceptional durability, incredible strength, and natural beauty. Both can easily outperform pressure treated lumber, cedar, and many composite decking products when properly installed. So which one is better? …

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Ipe vs. Composite Decking in Extreme Summer Heat: Which Stays Cooler?

Ipe vs composite decking Thumbnail

If you’ve ever walked barefoot across a deck in the middle of July, you already know one thing: Not all decking materials handle heat the same way. At AdvantageLumber.com, one of the questions we hear every summer is: “Does composite decking really get hotter than Ipe?” The short answer is yes, in most cases it …

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Composite vs. PVC vs. Hardwood: Which Decking is Best for Full Sun?

decking heat test

When you’re building a deck, summer is when your investment gets put to the test. Long days, intense UV exposure, triple digit surface temperatures, backyard barbecues, pool parties, bare feet, kids, and pets all reveal how well your decking material really performs. The three most popular premium decking options today are: Each has advantages, but …

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