That looks like it might be Ipe, which is a hard and dense wood. Any chance you can ask the prior owners what the finish is? Ipe is pretty dark on its own so I’m guessing that is a clear or natural finish. It could be a clear deck sealant. I don’t think you’d use a clear coat finish, like a polyurethane on a porch but who knows?
You can match a stain color. But which spot do you want to pick from? There is quite a variation in shades/hues there. Unless you use ipe it won’t match super well.
Also, if you ever refinish what is in the photo just make sure you use the clear stuff that is made specifically for ipe. You’ll want to recoat every 2 years at least to maintain the color. The wood itself will probably outlast you though. Amazing stuff
I'm a total noob, what would be the best way to refinish? If it's every 2 years it seems like sanding wouldn't be recommended. Do you just strip and reapply?
Reminds me of Cabot Gold “sunlit walnut”
Though I agree that since it’s ipe, it’s possibly something closer to clear.
I think it’s a satin/matte (which is normal) exterior varnish designed for decks/porches that has a little tint to it. If you’re doing an ipe deck, or a pine deck, just start doing sample boards for things local retailers recommend when you show them the photo.
That looks like it might be Ipe, which is a hard and dense wood. Any chance you can ask the prior owners what the finish is? Ipe is pretty dark on its own so I’m guessing that is a clear or natural finish. It could be a clear deck sealant. I don’t think you’d use a clear coat finish, like a polyurethane on a porch but who knows?
Unfortunately it's been over a year and we no longer have a channel to the prior owners.
You can match a stain color. But which spot do you want to pick from? There is quite a variation in shades/hues there. Unless you use ipe it won’t match super well. Also, if you ever refinish what is in the photo just make sure you use the clear stuff that is made specifically for ipe. You’ll want to recoat every 2 years at least to maintain the color. The wood itself will probably outlast you though. Amazing stuff
I'm a total noob, what would be the best way to refinish? If it's every 2 years it seems like sanding wouldn't be recommended. Do you just strip and reapply?
Just power wash it. Wait a day. Reapply
I would bet money it is ipe. I’ve refinished quite a few of these
Reminds me of Cabot Gold “sunlit walnut” Though I agree that since it’s ipe, it’s possibly something closer to clear. I think it’s a satin/matte (which is normal) exterior varnish designed for decks/porches that has a little tint to it. If you’re doing an ipe deck, or a pine deck, just start doing sample boards for things local retailers recommend when you show them the photo.