IPE DECK FINISHING FOR KNOXVILLE

Ironwood. Brazilian Walnut. Tigerwood. 

No matter what you call it, Ipe is an incredible species. Durable and hard, it actually repels insects and water naturally, and with the right care can last longer than a lifetime. 

But that’s where it gets a little tricky: most people aren’t sure exactly how to care for it. And unfortunately, many well-intentioned painting companies don’t go about it the right way either, assuming it’s no different than your standard pine. 

Here at McLain’s Painting Service, we can help you protect and preserve your Ipe deck, and can even provide light repairs and more in-depth maintenance along the way. 

What makes Ipe decks so special?

As we mentioned, it’s remarkably dense and hard. In fact, Ipe can be left totally unfinished, turning a soft gray over time: a natural patina that many people find very attractive. 

If you do stain it, on the other hand, every board comes to life with its own unique character and color. Some will be deep brown, some reddish, and some a lighter and brighter orange. This isn’t an issue with stain color uniformity - it’s the character of the wood shining through. 

How do you care for decks made with Ipe?

Sadly, we’ve seen Ipe decks that are bleached and power washed. That approach is fine for standard deck materials, but damages Ipe and can open the door to eventual rot and decay. Correcting these mistakes can be an expensive proposition, too.

Here at McLain’s Painting Service, we recommend the following care:

• Avoid any harsh chemicals
• Annual cleaning and a maintenance coat of stain (if you choose to finish the surface)
• Every 5-7 years, sand and refinish completely 

It’s also important to note that since Ipe is so dense, you have to use very specific finishes that have molecules small enough to penetrate the surface. We use a lineup of trusted clear coat products and “oil conditioners,” gently applied with the excess immediately removed. 

Why trust McLain’s with your Ipe deck?

Ipe requires knowledge, experience, and an in-depth understanding of what to use on your wood without damaging the surface. The approach is both a science and an art! Reach out to us today with any questions or to schedule a free consultation.

Call 865-769-8134 to get started!

Or complete the get a free quote form online.

Need repairs to your deck? Do you have some siding that needs to be replaced? No Problem! McLain’s Painting has skilled and knowledgeable crew members that can help with repairs in most areas of the home. If you have projects that need attention, we are ready to help! McLain’s Painting can handle more than just painting, so don’t settle for anything less with your most prized possession: your home. Call McLain’s today!

You can trust the service that has been part of the greater Knoxville community since 1999. McLain’s Painting services areas include Knoxville, Farragut, Powell, Karns, Maryville, Loudon and Oak Ridge, just to name a few. Call us for references today and you will soon see why so many people trust us with their indoor and outdoor needs for both residential and commercial properties.

McLain’s Painting continually strives for excellence in all areas. McLain’s is Summit Safety Certified; their members are top-tier professional contractors who create a safe work environment for their employees. Ensuring both clients and employees safety is high on McLain’s Painting priority list. Our employees participate in continual education and training procedures throughout the year so that they can prevent and handle situations that may arise. McLain’s Painting always strives to be the best in the business!