When it comes to the care and maintenance of your newly installed Brazilian hardwood deck, you might wonder, “Why should I oil my Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa, or Massaranduba deck?” It’s a common question among our valued customers, and it’s an excellent one. In this article, we’ll delve deeper into the importance of oiling your Brazilian hardwood deck and shed light on the remarkable benefits it offers.
Hardwood, being a natural product, interacts with its environment by absorbing and releasing humidity. Brazilian hardwoods like Ipe, Cumaru, Tigerwood, Garapa, and Massaranduba exhibit a distinct grain density and pattern that set them apart from traditional decking woods like Pine, Cedar, and Redwood. This unique grain structure poses a challenge for common finishes, which struggle to adhere effectively. This is where the necessity for a specialized finish, such as Ipe Oil from DeckWise, comes into play.
So, what exactly does the oil do for your Brazilian hardwood deck? Well, it does more than you might think. One of the most significant and immediately noticeable benefits is the enhancement of the wood’s natural color. Ipe Oil, with its carefully crafted formula, accentuates the deck’s grain, giving it a stunning appearance reminiscent of a cover photo in a home design magazine.
But the advantages don’t stop there. Ipe Oil also provides crucial UV protection, acting as a sunscreen for your deck. This UV inhibitor prevents the greying of the deck boards, a common occurrence when exposed to the sun’s powerful rays. Without the application of finishing oil, your once-perfect and pristine deck would gradually fade into a “silver patina.” This fading process is a consequence of the sun’s UV rays, affecting the color of any material, not just wood.
Brazilian hardwoods are naturally rich in oils, which contribute to their remarkable properties, such as termite and water resistance. However, as these hardwoods transition from the controlled environment of a warehouse to the ever-changing conditions of your backyard, they begin to acclimate. During this acclimation process, the wood may start to lose some of its natural oils through evaporation. This is where the importance of applying Ipe Oil becomes evident.
Ipe Oil helps penetrate the wood and replaces the evaporating oils. As a result, your deck absorbs the various benefits of the oil, which become an integral part of the wood. It’s crucial to note that wood continues to adapt to its environment for about one to two years until it stabilizes. This period may bring about several changes in the wood’s appearance. By consistently applying Ipe Oil during this critical phase, you can ensure the long-term health and resilience of your deck, even if you eventually decide to let its color fade into a graceful grey.
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