How is Ipe’ to work with, I understand that it is quite dense and hard. What type of finish would be best for an outside deck in a hot and humid location.
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I've had the opportunity to use IPE a few times for deck rails.
Using glue isn't an option as it doesn't work (that I know of).
You'll need a new blade to cut it because IPE is so dense and heavy.
For fastening you'll have to pre-drill everything and you may want to get a couple extra drill bits. When fastening be sure to not go to far and try to stress the fastener because it will break. When you feel the screw stop, stop screwing or you'll be, well....screwed.
From what I understand it doesn't need a finish although you can sand it a little. The ends are waxed (I have no idea what type of wax though) to keep it from checking on the ends.
This is all I know and I hope others have worked with it more because I'm interested in knowing more about IPE.
R-
Edited 4/24/2006 7:33 pm ET by rr_mdi
I wouldn't wabnt a new blade. I'd prefer a newly sharpened one along witha bottle of blade cleaner. There is a wax that builds up on cutting surfaces quickly and needs to be kept cleaned off. so it doesn't over heat the blade and make it act dull.No New blade because the mineral in the wood will dull it more quickly. with a second run blade i would not lose sleep about throwing it out after the job.The end seal coat is a rubber latex made fro tropical woods.Penofin is a cood surface coat.It is heavy so if you are doing a third floor edeck the labour will be more expensive. It is strong so you can span up to 24" oc, tho I prefer to hold to 19.2"oc. That can save bucks on framing and fasteners.Definitely predrill
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Just to get off the subject a hair...what does anyone prefer for a porch/deck finish on my mahogany. I wanna put a finish on all four sides before I install it.I would think it couldn't hurt on the Ipe either not that its 100% necessary.If Blodgett says, Tipi tipi tipi it must be so!
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Do NOT use Cabot's Australian Timber Oil! Gone in less than 6 months on Machiche (similar to Ipe) and the weather in central CA just ain't that bad! Gonna try Penofin in a week or two.
You don't have to finish Ipe`, but it will turn silvery-gray if you don't.
Penofin or Sikkens penetrating oil finishes work well. If you have direct sun exposure, you may need to re-finish every year, at least for the first 3 or 4 years. Then maybe every other year.
Do yourself a favor and buy a few blades. I have built a few decks that had IPE as the decking and the stories you hear are true, you will dull your bades quickly--tearout will be noticable after a few dozen cuts. If you are fastening IPE through the top predrilling is mandatory!
I would suggest you use hidden fasteners. If you are investing in a premium decking material, it is a small price to pay for a clear, mar-free surface. You just can't beat the look!
As far as the finshing, IPE is so dense that most ext.finishes do not holdup. The silver/gray color will still have a hint of brown even after some years have gone by. Left alone, IPE will give you a lifetime of maintance free useage.
"I would suggest you use hidden fasteners. If you are investing in a premium decking material, it is a small price to pay for a clear, mar-free surface. You just can't beat the look!"I agree, the look of a deck with hidden fasteners is phenomenal.Would like to know more about it...can you point me to a URL that
elaborates on hidden fasteners and types?Thanks,
Richard
The latest issue of FHB has all you want to know about fastners, go buy it now.
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anyone have thoughts on using 16 OC spans but clipping every other joist? I'm thinking the extra joist takes the spring out but that you might not need clips on every joist. Thoughts?
And don't forget to wear a dust mask. Ipe dust is particularly irritating to the lungs. I've met some folks who even get a skin rash from the dust. And when drilling, back the bit out often or the heat build up will cause a little mini explosion and blow hot wood chips out of the hole and in your face. No kidding. Must be something with the oils in the wood.
rather than using hidden clips (if you do go that way) why not get the boards T&G'd like I'm doing with my mahogany porch floors? Unless you're looking for the "deck" look.
If Blodgett says, Tipi tipi tipi it must be so!
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