"mfreak" wrote in message

I think ipe is my #1 pick so far, unless I hear horror stories... If I
go with ipe, same q's, how often do you need to seal it? How much does
sealant cost, and how long does it take to apply?

My main question on Ipe/cedar - If I leave it unsealed, it will turn
silver/grey. If it does, can I stain/seal it and get the original
color back again? How long does it take for a new deck to turn
silver/grey?

Ipe would be my choice. One it turns color, it is going to stay that color
unless you are willing to do rather drastic, time consuming sanding. Almost
impossible.

I'd put a coat of Penofin oil on it. It has UV inhibitors and will keep it
new looking for at least a few years. My Penofin experience is only a few
years so I can't say how long it will maintain the color. I used it on
mahogany deck material I made some outdoor furniture from.

The lumberyard where I bought my stuff has samples of decking that has been
exposed now for a couple of years and the untreated Ipe has changed. Very
hard, durable, etc, but it will change colors.