Ipe wood is one of the most desired hardwoods for exterior projects. Originating from South America, ipe is incredibly dense and durable, and it can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance. Ipe wood pavers are one of Tile Tech’s best-selling products, as it combines the benefits of natural ipe wood with the ease of installation and practicalities of the Tile Tech deck system. If you’re considering an ipe wood paver deck for your residential or commercial project, here’s everything you need to know about sealing and maintaining your paving tiles.

Do you need to seal ipe wood pavers?

One of the biggest inconveniences of natural paving materials is the need for sealing them. Most natural stone and wood pavers need to be re-sealed on an annual basis in order to protect their longevity and prevent discoloration. Traditional softwoods are subject to deterioration and rotting since they have an open grain structure that allows water to penetrate deep into the wood. Ipe wood pavers, however, are incredibly dense and don’t require waterproofing sealer. Ipe can be sealed if you’d like to maintain the original color, but many homeowners choose to let the ipe naturally weather to a silvery gray hue over time. With an ipe wood paver deck, sealing is an option but not a requirement.

Benefits of sealing ipe wood

Ipe wood can be sealed in order to maintain its natural color and avoid the silver-gray discoloration. Although ipe wood doesn’t absorb a traditional sealer, a UV protectant can be applied to achieve the same effect. Products such as ipe oil can be applied to keep the sun from bleaching the hardwood paving tiles’ rich brown color. It effectively functions as sunscreen for your ipe wood, protecting it from the harmful effects of the sun.

How to seal ipe wood pavers

If you plan to apply a sealer to your ipe wood, begin by rinsing your ipe wood paver deck. This will ensure that the surface is free from any dust, debris, or pollen when you apply the sealer. Allow your deck time to thoroughly dry, and apply the ipe oil using a brush or roller. Follow any brand-specific instructions listed on the sealer can. Make sure that the sealer is applied thoroughly and evenly throughout the deck. Since ipe wood is so dense, it will only soak up a certain amount of the oil. About 10-20 minutes after the initial application, wipe up any excess with a clean rag. This will keep your deck from getting tacky. 

Ipe wood pavers are a preferred deck system solution due to their design versatility, remarkable durability, and natural beauty. Homeowners and developers nationwide know they can turn to Tile Tech for affordable, high-quality, and easy-to-install ipe wood pavers that can handle any application and match any landscape design. If you’re interested in ipe wood pavers for your next project, give us a call at (888) 380-5575 or fill out our online contact form. We’d be happy to provide you with a free catalog, product sample, or project estimate.