In the past, we have cleaned the ipe deck with bleach/TSP solution, let dry, then sand with vacuum palm sander, then oil. Judging from what I've read on your site, you would strip if needed, clean if stripping is not needed, neutralize/brighten, then stain/oil, but my husband still wants to wash, dry and sand. Can you EXPLAIN the pros and cons of how we've done it vs. what you propose? Thanks.
We find that sanding can reduce the stain's ability to soak deep into the wood grain. That is why we do not sand unless absolutely needed.