Ipe Decking

Summer is just around the corner so whether you already have decking in your garden which perhaps is in need of revitalising , or you are thinking about installing decking to make the most of those potentially sunny evenings coming up, here are some tips on how to make your hardwood deck look beautiful and last longer. 

Whether you buy Ipe, Cumaru, Garapa or Tigerwood decking, you need to apply a deck finish if you want to maintain the deep, varied and rich tones of your hardwood deck.  I recommend Rustins Decking Oil.  Rustins is easy to use and one coat every 6 months to a year is plenty.  How often Rustins treatment is needed depends on whether your deck receives direct sun, rain and much foot traffic.

How easy is Rustins to install?

All you need is an old T-shirt ripped in half, a pad for your knees, rubber gloves so your hands aren’t stained, and Rustins.  Rustins recommends 2.5l for every 35 square meters.

Wash the deck thoroughly with Rustins Decking Cleaner and allow it to dry.  I prefer to wait 24-48 hours after cleaning.  Applying any finish to a wet deck will cause problems.  The Rustins finish cannot penetrate the Ipe decking and the water creates a barrier to penetration.  This can make the surface tacky and will collect dust and dirt.  Shake the Rustins thoroughly.

I fold the T-shirt several times and dip on section into the Rustins can and rub the oil into the Ipe decking boards.  You don’t need a lot of “elbow grease.”  Just be sure to rub the Rustins oil in so that there is no excess.  Once again, the excess will become tacky or sticky and collect dirt and dust.  Applying one coat will take about 45 minutes for 350 square feet.  I usually let the deck dry before I let kids and dogs run across.

Any unused Rustins can be saved.  Just be sure to store the can away from heat.

Why Rustins?
Rustins new Decking Oil is a hard-wearing, water resistant oil that retains the colour of the decking. It contains ultra violet light inhibitors and biocides which protects the oil from mould and algae growth.