Project Overview:
For this beautiful ground-level deck installation, Michelle wanted a timeless, exotic outdoor space to complement her summer house in Merley, Dorset.
The goal was to match the internal mahogany cladding within her entertainment area, ensuring a cohesive look inside and out. To achieve this, we selected Ipe, a Brazilian tropical hardwood known for its exceptional durability, natural beauty, and longevity.
This ground-level Ipe deck not only adds a sophisticated touch to Michelle’s summer house but also provides a durable and functional outdoor area for relaxation and gatherings. The deck's natural resistance to the elements ensures it will retain its beauty and structural integrity for decades to come.
Key Project Highlights:
Ipe Tropical Hardwood (Brazilian Walnut) Decking Boards
Ipe, pronounced "ee-pay," is a highly sought-after tropical hardwood from Brazil, renowned for its incredible strength, density, and natural resistance to rot, insects, and harsh weather conditions. This wood is a perfect choice for outdoor decking, offering both a luxurious aesthetic and long-term durability.
With annual oiling, Ipe decking can last up to 70 years, making it an excellent long-term investment. Even without oiling, it will remain structurally sound for up to 50 years. Initially, the wood is left to weather naturally for the first year due to its high oil content. During this period, the deck will gradually develop a silver patina as it lightens in colour. After one year, we clean the surface and apply oil to protect the wood, restoring its rich, deep tones.
Why Ipe Was the Ideal Choice
Ipe’s incredible durability and minimal maintenance needs made it the perfect choice for this project. Its natural oils provide resistance against decay, rot, insects, and extreme weather conditions, which is essential for any outdoor space. Additionally, Ipe’s strength means it is resistant to abrasion and wear, ensuring that Michelle’s deck will remain a stunning feature of her garden for many years.
The one-year weathering process allows the wood to settle and develop its signature silver tone, before being treated with oil to restore its deep, rich color. This careful process ensures the deck remains not only beautiful but also structurally sound for decades.
Summary of the project
This Ipe hardwood decking installation in Merley, Dorset, perfectly blends natural beauty and long-lasting durability. Michelle’s summer house now has a luxurious, exotic hardwood deck that complements the interior's mahogany cladding, creating a seamless indoor-outdoor experience. The choice of Ipe ensures that this deck will provide years of enjoyment, with minimal maintenance required to keep it looking its best.
Michelle’s project stands as a prime example of how thoughtful material selection and expert craftsmanship can transform an outdoor space into a functional, elegant extension of the home.
Client Testimonial
"Elliott helped us choose new decking for our own home which perfectly complemented the summer house.
The finish was perfect and far exceeded what we had expected.
Both Elliott and Jordon were fun to have around and left with all their rubbish, leaving the garden tidy and looking great."
Michelle, BH21 - Merley, Wimborne
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Gallery
This decking installation was completed in Merley, Wimborne
At Minster Decking, we work on a wide variety of decking projects within Dorset and Hampshire. From design, installation, repairs, maintenance and replacement - we have you covered.
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