MAINTAINING BLACK LABEL® DESIGN
Black Label®’s strength and hardness makes it one of the easiest decking materials to maintain.
Installation Guidelines
Black Label® boards have a natural finish and are ready to be sanded lightly after installation. Use a 5” electric palm sander with #80 grit sandpaper to remove installation and transportation scratches. Sand the deck lightly, while paying attention to visible imperfections. Blow or sweep the dust off, and a coat of exterior hardwood oil for decking can be applied.
Note: Wear protective gear to prevent dust inhalation and injuries from woodworking (including while cutting and sanding). It is highly advisable to wear gloves, a dust mask, and protective eyewear.
Make Sure You Use High-Quality Stainless Steel Screws
Non-stainless steel, iron, galvanized and coated products can cause black staining and generally have a shorter life than Ipe wood itself. Proper fastener length is usually the thickness of the wood multiplied by approximately 2.5. Also, use two screws per joist to attach the decking.
A minimum 3/32” gap between Black Label® decking boards is recommended to ensure adequate airflow and drainage. End-to-end butt joints will be installed without a gap, but once the wood is settled, shrinking of approximately 1/8” on 6” boards is expected. In hot and dry climates, expect additional shrinkage. If that’s the case, kiln-dried lumber and an appropriate fastener must be considered.
Alternative screw and plug: Pre-drill and counterbore decking board up to 1/4″; drive in the screw and lightly tap and glue a 3/8” diameter plug in every hole with marine-grade epoxy. Sand for a flush finish.
Finishing
Non-stainless steel, iron, galvanized and coated products can cause black staining and generally have a shorter life than Ipe wood itself. Proper fastener length is usually the thickness of the wood multiplied by approximately 2.5. Also, use two screws per joist to attach the decking.
A minimum 3/32” gap between Black Label® decking boards is recommended to ensure adequate airflow and drainage. End-to-end butt joints will be installed without a gap, but once the wood is settled, shrinking of approximately 1/8” on 6” boards is expected. In hot and dry climates, expect additional shrinkage. If that’s the case, kiln-dried lumber and an appropriate fastener must be considered.
Alternative screw and plug: Pre-drill and counterbore decking board up to 1/4″; drive in the screw and lightly tap and glue a 3/8” diameter plug in every hole with marine-grade epoxy. Sand for a flush finish.
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