How to Refinish a Mahogany Deck | 4 Steps

When and How to Refinish a Mahogany Deck | Decking

As a carpenter, I install my share of screen porches, decks, and stairs, and while today’s material trend is leaning towards composite decking there are still a fair amount of folks who like to use Mahogany and Ipe decking. On these installations, I ALWAYS advise the client to use a penetrating oil, and not a paint or pigmented stain. The reality of horizontal wood surfaces is that they do not do well with paint.

One of the most often asked questions I get on Mahogany decking is, “What sort of maintenance is required?” so let’s jump right into this question, which really translates to; “how often do I need to re-oil my deck and what do I need to do?”
When To Re-Oil A Mahogany Deck
A good rule of thumb with Mahogany and IPE decking is if the decking is uncovered and exposed to the weather, then apply an oil coat yearly. If the decking is under a covered porch, you can go 2 to 3 years, and if inside a screen porch 5-7 years.
Steps Prior to Re-Oiling A Mahogany Deck
Step 1 | Clean the Surface
The first step is to prepare the Mahogany decking by cleaning it. There are dozens of deck-cleaning products on the market, but I stick to using TSP and bleach to clean and kill mildew.
I use a 5-gallon bucket and mix 4 gallons of water, 1 gallon of bleach and 1 cup TSP (Tri-Sodium Phosphate)
Using a stiff bristle brush apply and scrub the cleaner onto the deck. Rinse thoroughly and allow to dry a dy or 2 before applying a finish. If you don’t like using bleach – dish soap and water work well too.

Step 2 | Sand the Mahogany Decking
After the mahogany on your deck has been thoroughly cleaned and is 100% dry, it’s time for a round of sanding. This step is important because it removes the old, worn layer of wood, removes splinters, and etches the surface allowing the oil to penetrate.
I use a random orbital sander with 80-grit paper. Prior to sanding, I set the nails, if applicable. Once done I sweep and blow off the deck.
Step 3 | Choosing Deck Oil for Your Mahogany Deck
I’ve always used Penofin oil-based oil for my decks and encourage my clients to reapply with the same product. I’ve experienced long-term success using it.
Step 4 | Apply Protective Oil to Your Decking
Applying protective oil-based oil to your decking will help it last longer. Oil penetrates the pores of the wood, while water-based penetrates slightly but mostly sit on top.
Oiling your mahogany decking maximizes its lifespan by keeping or replenishing the lost natural oils of the timber, helps maintain its color, and natural.
Following the manufactures instructions stir thoroughly and then apply the oil to the decking. I use a foam brush or “chip “brush to cut in the oil along the edges and around columns and posts.
Once that is done, I apply the oil to the decking with a Lambswool applicator and extension pole. I start on the far end and work my way off the porch by applying the oil board by board, using continuous, even strokes.
With Penofin, I allow the oil to sit on the decking for 30 minutes, then use a nap-free shop cloth and wipe the entire surface, removing excess product.

This prevents the oil from staying tacky, and is especially important if the deck has had prior cats or does not receive sunlight.

To avoid lap marks [start and stop marks] I try to keep a wet edge and cover the entire length of 2 to 3 boards at a time. If I can’t do that, I use the stretch out the extension pole and make long, continuous sweeps on the deck boards. I keep mineral spirits and a clean rag for any mistakes or spills.

Once done you can use mineral spirits to clean your tools and brushes. If I’m applying oil to another deck soon, I wrap the lamb’s wool applicator in an air sealed bag and store it in the freezer until needed.
Make sure you store all oily rags in water in a metal bucket until properly disposed. Allow the surface to dry for 24 to 48 hours before walking on it.
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Видео How to Refinish a Mahogany Deck | 4 Steps канала A Concord Carpenter / ToolBoxBuzz