Black Spots On Ipe Deck (Must Know Things)

Ipe decking wood is of different types, these woods are considered the best amongst woods.

But there are some challenges one may experience having them installed in their home or outdoor spaces.

A few users have complained of seeing black spots on their Ipe, which has caused them to be restless. This article will show you how to solve it with the (DIY) do-it-yourself method.

Black spots on Ipe are majorly noticed in humid and hot climates where the wood is often moist. Sometimes it could be caused by not cleaning regularly. Black spots, also known as black mold, are micro fungus breeds on materials with high cellulose content. Molds grow with the constant help of water, so they usually exist in wet spaces.

Are Black Spots on Ipe Deck Normal?

Ipe deck wood having black spots on your Ipe deck means something is wrong. Ipe woods are the best you can ever find because of their durability.

But if you see a black spot on your wood, it’s caused by you regularly cleaning it. Black spots are caused by humid or hot climates and could be caused by wet areas where sunlight finds it hard to get into. 

When black spots are not carefully treated, it leads to mold. These molds cause your wood to deteriorate by breaking down its fiber.

This leads to decay or rot; such an experience should not be taken lightly. Once wood starts decaying, it will be difficult to control.

Cleaning your wood often is one of the ways to preserve your wood and drive black spots away.

Ipe woods are the best for decking and user outdoor functions such as chairs, tables, and walkways.

The best way to avoid keeping your wood at its best is by constantly washing and cleaning it to avoid stains staying on it longer than expected.

Dirty Ipe deck wood can also lead to this, especially from a wet source. 

Woods experience most black spots when they don’t get enough sunlight to dry themselves, so it’d be best to check your woods to know where they need urgent care.

Below are the pros and cons of the Ipe deck. 

#1. Pros and Cons of Ipe Deck 

Pros	Cons
Extremely Durable	It’s difficult to find.
Easy To Replace	Pre-drilled only.
Long Life	It’s difficult to cut.

What Develops Black Spots on Ipe Decks?

Black spots on an Ipe wood decking are not always common. But if you notice one, it could either be from the weather or improper cleaning from the user.

Ipe woods are the strongest when it comes to deckings. So such issues are usually not seen except in areas with humid and hot climates. 

Ipe deck wood can develop black spots when they get more water than sunlight. Keeping your Ipe deck wet without properly cleaning or allowing sunlight to heat it would make it develop black spots. 

Untreated black spots lead to black molds, which could lead to the end of your wood.

Since Ipe is durable, many homeowners have concluded that this wood takes care of itself, leaving them calm about the state of their wood. 

It’s important to know that all decks need adequate care to keep them in good condition, making them last longer.

Ipe woods can go for as long as 75 years without it going through maintenance or replacement. That’s to show you how strong it could stay.

The Ipe is naturally resistant to moisture; that is why it’s the most sought-after wood. It’s suitable for outdoor structures such as decks, porches, fences, boardwalks, and many more.

The Ipe deck wood needs proper maintenance to ensure it doesn’t fade or decay. 

How to Remove Black Spots on Ipe Deck?

Cleaning the wood of your deck will not only make it look better but also help it last longer. Keeping it clean and pristine will make it more appealing.

Tannin stains or fungal degradation could be the cause of black spots that have appeared on your deck.

It is necessary to clean the wooden deck with the appropriate chemical to remove black stains.

However, I’ll highlight the substances you can use to remove black stains from your deck before penetrating it.

Below are things you could use:

#1. Oxalic Acid

If you want to preserve the color of your wood, avoid using oxalic acid to remove fungal and tannin stains.

For this reason, oxalic acid is frequently referred to as “whitener” or “bright” since it can lighten the wood’s hue. 

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for mixing the acid with water. Remove the black spots by scrubbing the wood after it has been treated with this solution for several minutes.

Afterward, wash the deck well to remove any remaining stains.

#2. Detergent

Tannin or mold stains can be removed using a mild detergent. The water should be sudsy once a few drops of liquid dish detergent have been added.

Scrub the black areas with a brush dipped in soapy water until they are gone. Allow the hardwood deck to dry completely after rinsing with clean water.

#3. Bleach

Mold and mildew grow on moist, rarely-dried wood. One cup of bleach per gallon of water. Bleach can remove black mold and mildew from wooden decking.

Scrub the deck with the solution. Wait several minutes before cleaning the mold. When the black stains are gone, rinse the deck.

With the following methods, you can make your decks free from black spots if there are any before.

How to Prevent Black Spots on Ipe Deck?

In many situations, prevention is better than treatment. Black mold on a deck can be prevented.

Black mold grows in wet circumstances, so keep the deck dry to prevent it. Ideally, direct sunlight would dry your deck fast, preventing mold.

Remove awnings or other deck coverings to let the deck dry. Most homeowners can’t control how much sunlight their deck receives, which is excellent for preventing black mold.

When there isn’t enough sunlight to dry the deck, seal it annually. This prevents wood from absorbing moisture, so the deck dries faster after rain.

Deck staining requires caution. Use a fast-drying, herbicide-infused stain. This prevents dirt and particles from sticking between the wood and the breeding mold.

Tips to Maintain Ipe Deck 

Ipe deck wood needs frequent cleanings to keep them free of dirt and debris. Leaves should be swept off the deck, rusty items should not be allowed to sit on the wood.

Mud or spills should be washed away with the hose. There is a lack of consensus among industry professionals over whether or not power washers should be utilized.

But if you use one, ensure the pressure does not exceed 1200 psi. If mold begins forming on your deck, you might want to consider applying a bleach solution.

Final Thoughts

It’s very important to have an Ipe deck wood, especially when you know it comes with lots of benefits.

However, it’s best to handle Ipe wood decking with care. To avoid getting it wet without sunlight to keep rot away.