IPE decks require maintenance because throughout the years between the weather, water, etc the surface is covered with all kinds if staining and grime.

Use a good cleaner especially designed for IPE decking which is mildly abrasive and it will remove the set- in, dirt because some of the staining like this even a power-washer can't get.

After the deck is cleaned and dried, they have brightener product made especially for IPE.

Use a better brightener product which contains acid that will lighten the deck and it will remove the graying color which develops from the sun exposure.

Don't buy cheap cleaners which contain bleach, because bleach can damage the wood.

Just go on IPE website, they probably have more useful information and what ever you end up buying make sure you use manufacturer guidelines and appropriate clothing for protection.

Good luck

Jonio,

There is nothing wrong IPE decking turning grey color. This will not harm the wood and the wood will always remain structurally sound.

That said, I haven't done many IPE decks in the last 25 + yrs since Composite material hit the market and around here IPE decking didn't take that much popularity in general...

But I did a few IPE decks in the past but I remember telling customers the first thing they should protect the wood from the UV rays and put a coat of oil to do that.

You can use something like Penofin oil which you can get in most local lumber yards, maybe same place you buy IPE decking from... even some Box stores might have it also.

It will still turn silver, but this first coat is very important.

Good luck

We recommend DeckWise Cleaner and Brightener for all of our customers who purchase Ipe from us. We have many customers however that let their deck go grey without the issue you are having. Most commercial applications let Ipe go grey without the staining you are seeing as well. It's either something getting on the deck, something you cleaned it with or perhaps it's not actually Ipe. Species such as Angelim Pedra contain natural mineral blotches all over the wood They are not usually visible if it's oiled with something such as Ipe Oil which is specially formulated for tropical hardwoods like Ipe.

Brazilian woods require the same maintenance as teak at least once every two years or so in order to protect them. The wood can be sanded down and oiled. In the same manner as a teak sailboat deck. I would use this method rather than applying chemicals to Wood.

@timothyturnbull did you notice any of these blothes return after sanding?

@christina did you find a solution that resolved your issue?

@timothyturnbull our Ipe deck is doing the same thing. It started 2 years after install and has gotten worse. deck is now 4 years old. the splotches seem to follow the roof overhang line. the only thing i can think of (after reading the whole internet twice!) is maybe the snow cover in the winter caused it? i will be sure to shovel the whole deck from now on.

So, the big question is…who has figured this thing out? did sanding it work? anyone find a cleaner that worked?

It makes me sick because ipe was $$$$ and it turned a BEAUTIFUL grey…now it looks…just old and dirty.

Considering installing an untreated ipe deck and would like to understand if there is a remedy to this problem. I am wondering if light sanding every 5 yrs or so does the trick? Or is there a better solution? And no, oiling / sealing the deck is not the answer unless you want a completely different look.

Same issue here. Started about 4 years after installation. Nobody has an answer.

This is a double deck and the lower doesn’t seem to have the issue.

Could it be the boards getting hot in the summer and forcing oil out of the boards? The blotches seem to originate from the grain and run along the grain.

Considering sanding then oiling in the spring

This is after a light sanding and some Messmers.

I have experienced the same ’black freckling’. So sad and maddening. i just finished using Penofin Pro-Tech Wood Cleaner Step 1 and Step 2. Freckles of black remain. i guess i will be sanding next. Any recommendations for a fast sanding method, grit size etc?

Dear Pleasant St Dental - Did the Penofin help much (albeit didn't fix the black blotches altogether)? Alas, I'm in the same boat. Some boards look clear, but many have the blotches. Thanks.

I'm a novice woodworker but this seems like a good question for a woodworking forum or shop. To me, it looks like an oil in the wood that surfaces or shows more as the wood around it ages and lightens. Someone said it appears to follow the roofline and someone (maybe the same someone) said it is not happening on the lower deck, only upper. If there's something in the runoff from the snow or precipitation (tannins? IDK) reacting with the wood, perhaps it exacerbates the look.

FWIW, I think it looks fine. Tell yourself (and others) that it's part of the natural process of aging ipe and try to appreciate it...if that works for you

We're considering an ipe deck so I'm happy to see what variety we will need to be ready to embrace.

Responding to RYCM: The Penofin did not help. The splotches are more numerous. The treatment brought back some of the original color (maroon/rust) which is now mixed in with the aged silver and the black splotches. It made it worse, visually.

For those still trying to decide on material, I would not select IPE. The reason I selected the material to begin with is that it never got hot. The texture barefoot was silky compared to cedar which can splinter over time. Keep searching for an alternative and keep asking questions.