Is it necessary to stain or seal an ironwood deck?

Question

Some suppliers say it is not necessary to stain or seal an ironwood deck because the material is so dense that it weathers well, stain or no stain. Certainly, my first application of Australian timber oil was useless. I like the look of a silvery, weathered deck, so if it's not necessary to stain or seal my deck, I'd rather not.

Some suppliers say it is not necessary to stain or seal an ironwood deck because the material is so dense that it weathers well, stain or no stain. Certainly, my first application of Australian timber oil was useless. I like the look of a silvery, weathered deck, so if it's not necessary to stain or seal my deck, I'd rather not. My deck lumber was purchased from Cecco Trading Co., who also refers to their product as "ipe."

Answer 1

Ironwood can be used as a term to describe any really hard wood. I would be careful to find out exactly what wood is being used. If locust is being used, then it probably doesn't need sealed at all. Locust will last about 40 years outside without ever being treated. Sometimes locust wood is referred to as ironwood. It's so hard you can barely drive a nail into it if you are lucky. Many other hardwoods will rot very quickly. So find out what wood is truly being used.

On my parents farm my dad and grandpa have used locust for fence posts for years. The fence posts will last about 40 years in the ground. There are many locust fence posts on our farm that have been in the ground since probably the 1960's.