In accordance with normal industry practice, our Ipe wood tiles are treated with wax on the ends of the wood slats to reduce the possibility of end cracking. During handling and transport, some wax might be deposited on the surface of the slats. This is normal, but if it is perceived as a problem, it can be removed by scraping and use of an appropriate solvent.

Be aware that this wax may sometimes ‘bleed’ a short distance along the top surface of the slats after installation, especially when the tiles are exposed to hot, sunny conditions and when the tiles have not been coated with a good quality decking oil after installation. There can often be a significant color contrast between the partially weathered body of the tiles and the wax impregnated ends, appearing as if the ends of the slats have been saturated with water.

Although this phenomenon should disappear over time as the tiles weather naturally, we nevertheless strongly recommend applying a good quality decking oil to the wood tiles as soon as practical after installation to reduce the potential for ‘bleeding’ and reduce the rate of fading to a silvery grey.

Even when some weathering has occurred, some wax can remain in the pores of dry wood, effectively providing some waterproofing to the ends of the slats, manifesting as a difference in color between the wax impregnated tile ends and body of the slats when the tiles are wet.

Archatrak Ipe deck tiles are specifically designed for installation for constructing elevated decks requiring only the use of adjustable height paver supports on each corner of the tile.

Fixed height rubber pads can also be used for support, but it is essential that good air circulation is maintained under the tiles and that the tiles will not be subject to prolonged contact with water.

See our page installation guidelines using adjustable height pedestals, for further information.

For installation using rubber support pads, see installation guidelines here.

Our hardwood deck tiles are not factory coated with any decking oil but are supplied in a natural unfinished state. It is highly recommended that a good quality decking oil is applied as soon as practical after installation, which not only assists in maintaining the color as long as possible, but provides some protection from airborne particles which can leave dark spots or markings on unfinished timber.

It is advisable to re-coat Archatrak Ipe deck tiles with a good quality sealer or decking oil at regular intervals thereafter to preserve the appearance of the tiles.

Archatrak Inc. warrants to the original purchaser that its structural Ipe wood tiles shall be free from material defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three (3) years from the date of original purchase, under normal use and service condition.

Defects are defined as imperfections that impair the utility of the product for its normally accepted purpose.

Download the full warranty document here.

Archatrak donates a portion of the proceeds from each Ipe wood deck tile sold, through our partnership with Trees for the Future. This donation facilitates the planting of 2 trees for every tile sold.

Trees for the Future (TREES) is an international development nonprofit that meets a triple bottom line by planting trees: poverty alleviation, hunger eradication, and healing the environment.  Working across 6 Sub-Sahara African countries TREES has planted over 150 million trees since 1989.