Premium Ipé Decking
INSTALLATION GUIDELINES
 | Weekes Premium Ipé are supplied as partially dried lumber and are for outdoor use only. |
| Store out of direct sunlight and allow the wood to acclimate and stabilize to installation area temperature and humidity before installation. |
| Ventilation of the deck is essential for long-term stability. Proper air circulation allows air to flow in from outside the deck area, under the joists and up through the gaps between the deck boards. |
| Allow a minimum 1/8" gap between deck boards for drainage and airflow. Kiln dried decking can shrink or expand approximately 1/16" on 6" wide boards in dry or moist areas. |
| Partially air dried dimensional lumber and decking may shrink approximately 1/16" on 4" wide boards and 1/8" on 6" wide boards. In hot or dry climates you may experience additional shrinkage. |
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Carbide tipped saw blades with 60 to 80 teeth and high quality drills are recommended for smooth cuts. |
SPAN RATING FOR WEEKES PREMIUM IPÉ DECKING
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16" o/c |
24" o/c |
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1x4 |
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1x6 |
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5/4x6 |
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2x4 |
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2x6 |
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The above chart is based on 60 PSF live load L/480. Weekes Premium Ipé decking Span Rating chart is certified by Minnesota Engineering; license number 26621.
Seal the ends of all boards immediately after cutting with “Anchorseal” clear wax end sealer (available from Weekes Forest Products) in order to reduce end checking.
To install Weekes Premium Ipé Decking, pre-drill a pilot hole and countersink and then fasten with high quality stainless steel trim head screws (available at Weekes Forest Products).
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Pre drill to the screw shank diameter and a countersink to avoid splitting and splintering, even when using “self-drilling” screws. |
| Use a minimum of 2-1/4" long screws on net 3/4" or 1" decking. |
| Coated or galvanized screws have been used; however, they generally cause black staining and have a shorter service life. |
| Use two screws to attach decking at each joist. |
| Proper fastener length is typically the wood thickness times 2-1/2. |
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Screw and Plug alternative method: Pre-drill and counter bore for the screw and Ipé 3/8" diameter plug no more than 1/4" deep. Glue the plugs with marine grade epoxy and sand flush. |
Seal Weekes Premium Ipé immediately after installation to reduce the potential for surface checking. If installing over a prolonged period or during hot weather sealing after each phase is recommended.
· To maintain a rich walnut color: use a transparent penetrating oil based sealer with UV inhibitors in a trans-oxide pigmented “cedar tone” and reapply annually or as needed. Consider using Superdeck brand products; for more information visit www.weekesforest.com.
· If a natural weathering to a silver gray is desired: use a clear oil based sealer.
· Before application of sealers, brush and clean the surface to remove dirt, dust, and sticker residue.
· Due to the density, brush on a thin coat or a sticky surface may result.
· Periodic cleaning will enhance the appearance of your deck.
· To return silver gray wood to the original color, use a “wood brightener.” Careful power washing and/or sanding can help to remove the grayed wood.
· Other types of oil and water based coatings have been used. However, fully test samples from several boards to determine their compatibility with Weekes Premium Ipé.