Ipe is not very dimensionally stable. It'll move around enough with seasonal moisture changes that whatever you put on it will fall off. Real varnish will stay on a little longer as it tends to be more flexible than polyurethanes, but the oils in it will tend to repel the coatings. Teak is very stable, but again, the natural oils tend to make it difficult for the varnish to adhere. But, a "spit" coat of varnish will help, thinning the varnish down somewhat severely with naphtha. Like 30% for the first coat. Up here in the great white north, we use Douglas Fir for this sort of thing. In the states you call it "Oregon pine" I think. The flat deck on my truck is made out of it, and it lasts just fine, even when loaded with a forklift or front end loader. Just my two cents. Use what you find "prettiest". Anything will last, but one does like things to look nice while sitting in the drive way. And unless you are doing alot of hauling, that's the point, to look good.
Christopher.
Last edited by Mr. Lang; 09/30/2008 3:42 PM. Reason: Needed more commas!!! Can't have enough!
