Ipe and Garapa Deck Cleaning in Charleston, SC
Is your Ipe deck gray and tired? The brown wood is still under the gray. We bring it back. We clean it, brighten it, and can oil it so the color lasts.
Short answer: Ipe deck cleaning brings gray, faded Ipe back to its warm brown color with a wood-safe cleaner and a brightener, never high pressure. Ipe cleaning starts at $450. A full deck with stairs and railings is about $1,200 to $2,300.
Gray Ipe is not ruined.
The Charleston sun turns Ipe gray. Sunlight breaks down the oils on top of the wood. The color fades to silver. This only happens on the surface. The brown wood is still there, just under the gray.
The gray will not go away by itself. It takes the right cleaning to bring the color back. It takes the right care to keep it from going gray again.
This is also how these decks get ruined. Ipe and Garapa are very hard, dense woods. A strong pressure washer roughs up the boards. It leaves a fuzzy, splintered surface. That shortens the life of a costly deck. These decks cost a lot to build. The care should match.
How we bring the color back
We do the job in three steps. Each step helps the deck look good longer.
- Gentle cleaning. We use a wood-safe cleaner made for hard woods. It lifts the gray, the dirt, and the green film. We never blast the wood with high pressure. We never use bleach.
- Brightening. Next we put on a brightener. It evens out the color from board to board. The deck looks rich and even, not blotchy.
- Oil (we suggest it). A good oil brings out the deep brown color. It helps guard the wood from sun, salt air, and damp weather. Without oil, bare wood starts to turn gray again in a few weeks. With oil, the color lasts.
Later on, a fresh coat of oil keeps the deck from going gray. Most Charleston decks need it every year or two. It depends on how much sun the deck gets. We will remind you when yours is due.
From gray to brown again
This is a real Ipe job here in the Lowcountry. The deck was gray and worn. Now it is brown and protected.
What to expect
Your deck will not look like new lumber. Wood that lives outside keeps some small cracks and marks. That comes with age. What you do get is your deck at its best. The gray is gone. The color is back and even. If you choose oil, it guards the wood from the sun. When we look at your deck for the quote, we will tell you what to expect.
Who this is for
- Ipe and Garapa deck owners near Charleston.
- Decks by the water that get sun and salt air.
- Decks that went gray after years with no oil.
- New owners of a home with a tired deck.
- Owners who want a care plan, not a one time fix.
- Anyone told to pressure wash a hardwood deck. Talk to us first.
They power washed our decks and pool patio tiles and the entire job was fantastic. We highly recommend them!
The BEST exterior cleaning company in the Lowcountry! Charlie has a tremendous work ethic and doesn't stop until the job is done.
Why people trust us with their deck
- Ipe and Garapa care is our focus. We work on these woods every week.
- Wood-safe method. Gentle cleaning, never a strong blast.
- Oil option that helps the color last.
- Licensed and $2 million insured.
- 5.0 from 54 Google reviews.
- 100% satisfaction guarantee. If it is not right, we make it right.
Ipe and Garapa FAQ
- Why does Ipe turn gray?
- Sunlight breaks down the oils on top of the wood. This is normal. It only happens on the surface. Cleaning brings the color back. Oil slows the gray from coming back.
- Will cleaning hurt my Ipe or Garapa?
- No. We use a gentle cleaner made for hard woods. We never use high pressure or bleach. High pressure roughs up the boards and shortens the life of the wood.
- Will my deck look brand new?
- Not quite, and we will be honest about that. Your deck will look much cleaner, richer, and more even. But wood that lives outside keeps some small cracks and marks. You get your deck at its best, not a brand new board.
- Do I have to get it oiled?
- No, but we suggest it. Without oil, bare wood starts to turn gray again in a few weeks. The oil is what makes the color last.
- How often does it need new oil?
- Most Charleston decks need it every one to two years. It depends on how much sun the deck gets. We will tell you what yours needs and remind you when it is time.
- How much does it cost?
- Ipe cleaning starts at $450. A full deck with stairs and railings is about $1,200 to $2,300. The size and condition of the deck set the price. We give you an exact price in person after a quick look at the deck.
- Do I need to be home?
- No. We just need to reach the deck and an outside water spigot. We can do the work while you are out. We send you photos when the job is done.
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Ready to get your deck back?
Ask for a free quote. We come out, take a quick look, and give you a clear price. We will tell you what your deck needs. Want to hear from neighbors first? Read our customer reviews. Want a number first? The price range tool takes about a minute.