Brazilian Hardwood Ipe Decking Restoration

For Professional Brazilian Hardwood Ipe Decking Restoration Near Me, Choose Cobra Deck & Concrete, Serving Raleigh-Durham and Beyond.

Brazilian hardwood Ipe decking is one of the most beautiful, durable, and sought-after hardwoods in the world. But while it may be tough enough to resist warping, cupping, or splitting, even Ipe requires regular care to maintain its rich color and fine finish. That’s where Cobra Deck & Concrete comes in.

We’ve been restoring and maintaining Ipe and other Brazilian hardwood decks for more than 10 years, helping homeowners protect their investment and keep these stunning decks looking their best.

What Is Brazilian Hardwood Ipe Decking – and Why Does It Need Maintenance?

Ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”) is a dense, tropical hardwood native to Central and South America. Known for its strength, resistance to insects, and natural beauty, it’s often used in high-end decks, docks, and outdoor structures. Brazilian hardwood Ipe decking can last 40–75 years with proper care, which is part of why it’s such a popular choice for property owners who want long-term durability with a luxurious look.

The challenge with hardwood Ipe decking isn’t durability—it’s maintenance. Because the wood is so dense, it doesn’t absorb stain the way softer woods do. That means most protective stains sit on the surface rather than soaking in, making them vulnerable to wear from UV exposure and weather.

Without maintenance, even the highest quality hardwood Ipe decking will fade to gray and develop small cracks. These tiny fractures luckily don’t mean the wood is failing—but they do signal a loss of density. Given enough time, this can make the surface more vulnerable to water intrusion and discoloration.

How We Maintain and Restore Hardwood Ipe Decking

At Cobra Deck & Concrete, we take a cautious approach to hardwood Ipe decking maintenance. Our goal is to preserve the wood’s natural beauty without damaging the integrity of the material. We don’t use high-pressure washing or harsh chemicals that could irreparably harm the surface or force moisture into the grain.

Instead, we follow a carefully refined multi-step process. We start with a non-bleach, eco-friendly cleaner that lifts organic buildup like mold, mildew, and surface grime. This helps prep the wood without damaging the fibers or surrounding landscaping.

Next, we gently rinse the surface using a low-pressure wash—just enough to remove loosened buildup without opening the grain or etching the surface.

Finally, we apply a high-quality penetrating oil or stain formulated specifically for Brazilian hardwoods. These oils help replenish the wood’s natural luster and provide UV resistance. Depending on sun exposure, some decks may need reapplication every 12–24 months to maintain a rich, even tone.

How Often Should Ipe Decking Be Treated?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If your hardwood Ipe deck sees a lot of direct sunlight, annual maintenance is your best bet for keeping the rich tones of the wood alive. For shaded areas, or wood protected inside screened porches or under awnings, refinishing every two years may be sufficient.

If your Ipe deck has already turned gray or shows signs of cracking, we can still help. Our restoration process will clean and refresh the surface, and with the right oiling regimen, we can often bring back much of the original color and richness.

How Often Should Ipe Be Treated?

Brazilian hardwoods like Ipe are a premium material, so restoring them requires premium care. Cobra Deck & Concrete has been working with Ipe, Tigerwood, Mahogany, and other exotic hardwoods for over a decade. We understand what makes these woods special, and we know how to clean and protect them the right way.

Homeowners across Raleigh-Durham trust us because:

• We use low-pressure, non-damaging cleaning methods.
• Our finishes are formulated specifically for exotic hardwoods.
• We’ve restored hundreds of exotic wood decks across North Carolina.
• Our process is safe for your family, pets, and landscaping.

Whether your Ipe hardwood decking is new and you want to keep it looking great or it’s older and in need of restoration, we’re here to help.

Schedule Your Hardwood Ipe Deck Restoration Today

If your Brazilian Ipe deck needs cleaning, protection, or a full restoration, Cobra Deck & Concrete has the tools and experience to get the job done right.

Reach out to the team at Cobra Deck & Concrete Restoration to get started. You can contact us online or call 919.808.4485 to get started.