Tropical Pro Hardwood Decking products are highly valued decking materials because of their exotic appearance, amazing strength, and high resistance to wear, insects and rot. It is no wonder that Tropical Hardwoods are commonly used for luxury decking. But to have decades of beauty, even the toughest hardwoods have to be taken care of.

To maintain the look and natural or weathered beauty of your Tropical Pro decking across the years, it’s essential to know how to care for it. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the essential tips to follow for Tropical Hardwood deck maintenance. 

Learning About The Nature of IPE

Dense, tightly packed grains define IPE. Beyond the strength it offers, IPE is chosen for its oil-rich composition, hardness and durability. As one of the strongest outdoor woods, IPE does not react to climate changes, termites or rot over time. Like all wood, IPE will weather due to UV exposure and weather. IPE has the benefit of weathering to a beautiful silver-grey patina, which most coastal markets prefer. However, if you prefer the rich natural brown colors of the IPE, a regular maintenance and finishing schedule is a must.

It is important to note that mold grows on everything, even Composite and PVC decking. All it needs is an organic material like leaves or dirt, moisture and heat, which is why all decking requires regular cleaning.

The Cleaning Routine

Maintenance for IPE Wood starts with building a regular cleaning schedule.

What Should You Do:

• Dirt, dry leaves or other debris often attract moisture or may stain the wood. Sweep the surface regularly.
• Gently rinse the surface with water. Use a broom or a brush with hard or soft bristles to clean.
• Use a wood-safe cleaner like Tropical Pro Wood Cleaner, rinse and let dry. Make sure it is specifically formulated for hardwood. Check that it does not have bleach, as bleach can remove the natural oil of the IPE.
• For tough stains or to remove weathered fibres and return to its original color, follow the deck cleaner with an oxalic acid-based wood brightener like Tropical Pro Wood Brightener and let it dry.  

If you are wondering how often to clean the IPE deck, consider making it a routine in spring or fall. A minimum of two or a maximum of three times a year is recommended. It is enough to keep them clean and be prepared for oiling and sealing.

Choosing the Right Cleaning & Finishing Products

When caring for your hardwood deck, it’s essential to use products specifically formulated for dense, exotic woods. We recommend starting with the Tropical Pro product line, including Tropical Pro Deck Cleaner, Tropical Pro Wood Brightener, and Tropical Pro Penetrating Oil with UV inhibitor, for reliable results.

After the initial mention, here’s what each product does in more general terms:

Deck Cleaner (Hydrogen Peroxide-based): Designed to lift dirt, organic matter, and mildew without damaging the wood’s natural oils. Unlike bleach, hydrogen peroxide-based formulas are safe for hardwoods and help preserve long-term durability.

Wood Brightener (Oxalic Acid-based): Used after cleaning to restore the natural color and balance the pH of the wood. This step also prepares the surface for oiling or sealing by opening up the grain for better absorption.

Penetrating Oil with UV inhibitor: Provides deep protection that enhances the natural grain while guarding against sun fading. The UV inhibitor slows down weathering and helps maintain rich tones longer.

By following this sequence: deck cleaner, wood brightener, and penetrating oil, you not only keep your deck looking beautiful but also extend its lifespan significantly.

Pressure Washing, But with Care

Pressure washing is okay, but you must be cautious when done on any wood, including IPE.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Take an expansive fan-style tip.
• Hold the pressure to 1,200 PSI or less.
• Keep the nozzle at a distance of 12 inches or more above the surface.
• Spray with the grain to prevent scarring.

Never jump into overall use. Test the pressure on a smaller area. Not knowing the technique or using extreme pressure can damage the IPE wood surface by tearing the grain, which can then only be repaired by sanding.

Restoring the Natural Color

The natural colors associated with wood become greyed as wood is exposed to wind and sunlight over time. Although this does not affect the strength of the wood, many property owners are willing to put in the time to maintain the natural color of the wood they use in exterior applications.

Mark these tips to maintain the color:

• Thoroughly clean the deck.
• Apply a wood brightener. They contain oxalic acid and effectively remove the grey.
• Lightly sand with 60-80 grit sandpaper to any rough spots where required. 
• Follow with a sealing or oiling process to restore the color.

Understanding the Difference Between Oiling and Sealing

Among the frequent questions regarding IPE is whether to seal or oil it. To answer this question, your choice may vary depending on where you live (climate), your sense of style, and the availability of time.

Oiling Vs. Sealing

Oiling

• Tropical Pro Deck and Cladding UV-blocking oil is a penetrating oil finish that brings to life the full grain & color.
• Oil must be wiped on and wiped off like polishing a piece of furniture. More oil is not better. Excess oil will remain sticky and attract and hold dirt, on which mold can grow. 
• Oiling does not leave a layer on the wood, maintaining its natural feel.
• You may need to clean and apply oil at least once, if not twice a year, to prevent weathering, depending on the climate. Think about it like cleaning your kitchen floor. 

Sealing

• Use a water-based sealant made for hardwoods.
• A UV-blocking water-based finish does much the same as an oil-based finish. 
• It acts as a protection layer on the surface level, which may increase the gap between the re-treatments depending on the quality of the finish.
• Good quality finishes like Cutek will typically be more expensive than oil. 

It is important to note that water-based products can be applied over oil, but oil-based products cannot be applied over water-based products. Once you commit to water-based finishes, you are married to using them for refinishing unless you strip them from your deck or allow them to weather off completely. 

Whichever option you choose, do not layer the products. Check areas where the product has been applied excessively and remove it. Usually, a single layer is enough. Less is more when it comes to hardwood deck finishing.

How to Apply Sealers and Oils

Here is a detailed breakdown of the process to help your deck last longer:

• Make sure that the wood is clean and thoroughly dry; moisture gets in the way of absorption.
• Apply using a brush, pad, or a cloth; never use a roller, as it can cause uneven marks.
• The grain should be followed, and it should be worked in small portions.
• Blot off any remaining product in 15- 30 minutes to avoid sticky finishes.
• It may take up to 48 hours to dry.

NOTE: Never apply finishes directly under sunlight or if you are expecting rain. Late afternoons are usually best. 

When and Why Should You Sand

Tropical Pro Hardwoods are extremely dense and scratch-resistant; however, it is recommended that some sanding may need to be done to maintain a smooth, splinter-free surface.

When to Sand:

• If the wood is rough after cleaning and prior to refinishing.
• In case of tough stains or scratches.
• To eliminate any flaking of old finishes.

Apply with an orbital sander of 60-80 grit sandpaper. Never sand against the grain, and sand with smooth strokes if sanding by hand.

Maintenance for Every Season

By developing a maintenance schedule, you will have your Tropical Pro hardwood deck in excellent condition without feeling like it is too much work.

If the weathered grey appearance is what you desire, simply sweep and clean with deck cleaner in spring and fall or as desired. 

If a finished deck is what you desire, follow this recommended schedule. 

Spring:

• Sweep thoroughly.
• Clean with Tropical Pro wood cleaner.
• Sand and use Tropical Pro wood brightener if required.
• Use an oil or water-based finish.

Summer:

• Clean spots when they are needed with deck cleaner.
• Check signs of wear or damage.

Fall:

• Sweep thoroughly.
• Clean with Tropical Pro wood cleaner.
• Sand and use Tropical Pro wood brightener if required.
• Use an oil or water-based finish.
• Inspect fasteners, railing, joints, or signs of loosening and corrosion.

Winter:

• Snow may be removed with a plastic shovel. 
• Do not apply salt or ice melt products, which will leave a stain or a blemish on the floor.
• Remember that snow is heavy, and while your deck may be designed to carry the load, it is always wise to remove snow from your deck as early as possible.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even high-quality tropical hardwood decking can be victimized if it is not taken care of in the right way. These are some of the traps to avoid:

• Too much oiling/sealant: Leads to sticky surfaces as well as unprofessional finishing.
• Application of inappropriate products: Always make use of those products that are made specifically for hardwoods.
• Setting aside regular cleaning: Waste material may collect moisture and cause surface mold or mildew.
• Putting it off: Tropical hardwoods are resilient, but that does not mean it does not require regular maintenance. Again, mold will grow on anything under the right conditions, and while it may not affect the durability of the wood, mold is slippery and may cause a safety hazard regardless of your decking material. 

Embrace the Beauty: Naturally or Enhanced

Last but not least, keep in mind that Tropical Hardwood decking offers you versatility. When you like the weathered-grey appearance, then nothing much is needed except keeping it clean. If you prefer a dark, rich color, you’ll need to oil or seal it every year.

In both cases, your Tropical Pro deck will represent natural luxury down the years to come.

Conclusion

Tropical Pro hardwood decking is one of the best long-term investments in outdoor living spaces. They boast breathtaking appearance and unsurpassed durability, allowing them to serve for many decades, provided you take care of them.

Our goal at Tropical Forest Products is not only to provide our customers with the finest hardwoods, but to have them last long enough to enjoy that hardwood over their lifetime. These key tropical hardwood decking maintenance tips will help preserve your investment, improve your outdoor area, and keep your deck a key feature, year after year.

FAQs

1. How many times do I seal or oil my Tropical Pro deck?

Roughly, annually is enough. In more extreme weather conditions, where there is significant exposure to the sun or moisture, reapplication should be after 6-9 months to maintain the color and protection. The deck should always be clean before you oil or seal it.

2. May I allow my Tropical Pro deck to turn gray naturally?

Yes. At the same time, when untreated, tropical hardwoods form a silver-grey patina. However, the strength of your deck is never compromised. You may still need regular cleaning to avoid the gathering of dirt and mold.

3. How should one clean a Tropical Pro deck?

Clean with the help of a broom and water every now and then. Apply deck cleaners formulated for hardwood to remove stains. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach for cleaning, as they can erode the natural oils and fibre of the wood.

4. What kind of finish should I apply to Tropical Pro decking?

Apply oil-based finishes or UV protection water-based sealers that are expressly designed to work on hardwood. These permeate through the thick grain, intensify tone and guard against fading by the sun rays as well as water.

5. Is Pressure washing safe on wood?

Yes, but with great care. Use a 1,200 PSI or less pressure washer, a wide spray tip and maintain a 12-inch minimum nozzle distance. Always pre-test in an out-of-the-way spot before proceeding with a full cleaning.

6. Will I have to regularly sand my IPE deck?

Not regularly. Clean by sanding only when the surface gets rough, discolored, and or uneven. Use 60 to 80 grit sandpaper and then clean and refinish to achieve an optimum result.