Ipe Tenon Size

[leakyroof]

Thanks.

I've got stainless steel screws, Titebond III, 8mm tenons for the Domino 700, and a plan of attack.

I even bought some premium pine 1X6 boards to build a prototype.

I'm still not sure how to attach the bench seat to the understructure so as to allow for movement. I've used Z-Clamps for the small tables I've built. I guess they would work for a bench.

. One more thought. Cut a 4 or 5mm slot with the Domino for your planned movement allowance.  Fast and clean . The screw will look like you planned it all along once it's installed.

I suspect that Ipe is not going to move too much but, if you drill a hole for the screws and then widen the hole to a slot on top with a rat tail file you get some room for movement.

Jack

 

[Neathawk Designs]

Beautiful Deck.  I have used Messmers oil on Ipe.  I've used gorilla glue as well. 

I'm trying to convince my mother in law to use Ipe instead of trex.  I showed her this photo!

 

[jacko9]

Beautiful Deck.  I have used Messmers oil on Ipe.  I've used gorilla glue as well. 

I'm trying to convince my mother in law to use Ipe instead of trex.  I showed her this photo!

If your mother-in-law saw some of the trex decks that I have seen after a few years ing the California sun there would be no question.  I have lived in my house for over 45 years and I installed a Ipe type wood deck 15 years ago after seeing two other decks fail in short time periods.

Jack

 

[Birdhunter]

Everything I've read says Ipe needs to refinished every 6 months. Is that your experience with your deck? As the benches I'm making will be in a rustic outdoor setting, I'm tempted to leave them natural.

 

[jacko9]

Everything I've read says Ipe needs to refinished every 6 months. Is that your experience with your deck? As the benches I'm making will be in a rustic outdoor setting, I'm tempted to leave them natural.

I used to do it every six months then once a year but, lately I've been lazy and I let it turn grey.  I know that with a little oil, it will look OK but not perfect.  The wood seems like it will last forever.

Jack

 

[Birdhunter]

I'm building 10 benches that will be spread over a mile trail. I can't envision toting finish to each bench twice a year. Gray is good.

 

[jacko9]

I'm building 10 benches that will be spread over a mile trail. I can't envision toting finish to each bench twice a year. Gray is good.

That's the beauty of a wood like Ipe - long lasting without a lot of maintenance!

 

[TooManytoys]

During the first year Ipe will need to be refinished every 6 months, and maybe the second year too.  As the wood is environmentally exposed the surface oils diminish and the pores of the wood open more, allowing deeper penetration of the finish.  This wood is very dense and stiff, high Modulis of Elasticity, so it can be spanned 24" where other woods require 16". But it's this density that prevents good penetration initially.

Ipe has been used on the Jersey Shore boardwalks where it's considered a 50 year surface.  If finished it said to be a 100 year surface.  This stuff is heavy and wears carbide!  It's also known as ironwood.