When you are getting ready to build a brand new Ipe deck, you want to make sure you use equally durable materials and supplies elsewhere in the deck construction. Your Brazilian walnut wood is designed to last a very long time. However, if the underlying materials are not properly prepared before placing your deck boards, there is a risk the support structure will fail, long before the deck boards.
First, you want to make sure all support posts and framing wood is properly sealed and treated against insects, moisture, water, ice, snow, and UV rays from the sun. If you do not seal and treat the wood, it can rot, become infested with termites, warp, and wear out quickly. If this happened, then you have to removing the deck boards to build a new support structure every five to ten years. However, with the proper treatment and sealing, your support structure easily lasts up to 25 years or longer.
In addition, you want to select powder coated brackets and screws for securing your Ipe deck boards to the frame, as well as use these on the frame itself. The powder coating provides corrosion resistance and helps to make your finished deck stronger and more secure than using only nails. Deck brackets are secured in place on the underside of deck boards and hidden from view. There is no surface penetration of the deck boards or joists. Further, moisture is unable to enter in between the deck boards and joists, with deck brackets, and prevents screw pop-ups and rot.