IPÉ - Decking Installation Congratulations on your purchase of Ipe decking from Thompson Mahogany Company. Ipe decking is the finest available natural wood decking available. Properly installed and maintained, you will enjoy the natural beauty for many years. These guidelines have been prepared to assist the installer achieve the best results, during – and after installation. Handling:   • Ipé is shipped as a partially air dried lumber for outdoor use only. • Store Ipé decking in a cool dry place, out of direct sunlight. • Air dry to local moisture levels prior to installation, whenever possible. Cutting: • Ipe is a heavy dense wood. Use premium carbide tipped saw blades and power tool bits. End Sealing: • After crosscutting, end seal all ends within 24 hours with a clear aqueous wax end sealer. This will prevent end splits after installation. Anchorseal by UC Coatings is an excellent choice. Fastening: • Pre-drill pilot holes close to the actual standard screw or nail diameter to prevent splitting. Trim-head screws require a pilot hole slightly larger than the diameter of the screw head to permit countersinking. • Stainless steel fasteners are highly recommended for their superior corrosion resistance, maximum holding power, and ease of use. We suggest Swaneze stainless steel #7 trim head screws. • Galvanized fasteners or screws may cause future discoloration. • Consider EB-TY deck fasteners. This under-mount clip system is invisible from both the top and bottom of the deck. They will leave your deck looking its most elegant. 5/4 x 6 pre-grooved decking - EB- TY ready - is now available. Installation: • 1x and 5/4 x Ipé decking may be installed on 16” o/c. joist system. • 5/4 Ipé may also be installed on 24” o/c. joist systems. • When installing decks with a diagonal pattern, we advise shorter joist spacing. • When installing Ipé, a 1/8" gap between deck boards is advisable to allow for air circulation. • Deck boards may shrink as the wood becomes fully seasoned. The average rate of shrinkage is approximately 1/16” on 4” wide boards, and 1/8” on 6” wide boards. In hot or dry conditions the shrinkage may exceed this amount. Ventilation • Adequate cross-ventilation is very important. Decks should lie at least 24" above the underlying surface and have open ventilation from three sides. Finishing: • Ipé is an extremely dense, oily and alkaline wood, and for that reason many oil and water and oil based coatings will react to the wood, with effects ranging from drying and adhesion problems to color changes in the wood. We have found two options that work well: Natural Weathering • Left untreated, Ipé weathers naturally to a soft silver-gray patina that requires no maintenance. Just keep it clean and enjoy the natural beauty Rich Walnut Finish • To maintain Ipé’s rich, natural, walnut finish, we recommend applying a penetrating oil finish with a UV protectant following the installation of your deck. UV Plus by Messmers (available through Thompson Mahogany Company) is an excellent product that will keep your wood looking its best. Apply this finish as necessary to maintain the natural color. To the best of our knowledge, the information and recommendations given are correct. Thompson Mahogany Company assumes no liability for the suitable use of any of the products mentioned. This is the responsibility of the owner or installer. Thompson Mahogany Company Office: 7400 Edmund St Philadelphia PA, 19136 Warehouse: 225 Lincoln Highway Fairless Hills, PA 19030 Phone:800-589-6637 Fax:215-269-7354 www.thomahog.com