The reality is that every lumber is unique as well as trees are all different as well. So, one of the things that you can expect when you are building a deck is that each board will have different characteristics.
As soon as you have your beautiful deck installed, you want to make sure that it remains this way for many years.
One of the things that many people tend to think is that Brazilian hardwoods aren’t as durable as most woods that are traditionally used to build decks. However, this is not true. The reality is that every wood needs some kind of maintenance to ensure that it continues beautiful and to make it last. This is just like when you have the best car in the world. You still need to change its motor oil from time to time.
According to our experience, there are two main types of deck owners: the ones who simply let their boards weather naturally, and the ones who want to make sure that they keep the same look and feel as if they just finished installing their deck.
There’s no right or wrong position here. It’s just a matter of figuring out where you fit in to take care of the maintenance of your deck according to your personal preferences.
No matter which group you belong to, one of the things that is highly suggested that you do after installing your deck is to apply a coat of Ipe Oil or just a similar UV protect finish. When you do this, you are helping the wood that you use to seal all its natural oils that will help it maintain their physical properties. From here, the rest of the maintenance is up to you, depending on whether you want to maintain the initial color or simply let the weather change it naturally. Please note that as we already mentioned above, each board is different. So, each board may have a different reaction to the amount of moisture, temperature, sunlight, or any other climate changes.
Cleaning Your Hardwood Deck The Right Way
When you decided to use Brazilian hardwood for building your deck, you knew that it required some maintenance. So, it’s time to get it done.
Cleaning your hardwood deck should be done at least twice a year (a stronger cleaning). The first thing you need to do s to remove all the dirt and loose leafs off your deck using a broom. Don’t forget to check between the deck boards because there might be some old foliage or trash accumulated there. If it is, remove it as well.
After sweeping, using a mild dish soap and water is advised. You can use a brush to do it. In case you notice there are any harder stains, you can try to use a specific cleaner formulated for wood.
You should also consider pressure washing your deck. Even though it takes time, the result with be completely worth it. You need to ensure that you use a fan tip as well as the right settings to protect the wood. For example, in case of an Ipe decking, you can use a 1000 PSI setting. Since it’s always best to be safe than sorry, test it on an area that is not visible first.
While you’re doing your regular maintenance, it’s always a good idea to check some key areas of your deck. Just walk around and see f you notice any corroded or loose fasteners. In case you spot them, make sure to replace or tight them up immediately. As you probably know, fasteners are extremely important since they are making the connections that are able to stand your deck.