Ipe
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked and sometimes wavy; fine to medium texture with a high natural luster. Evidence of a very tight, dense vessel structure characteristic of the Bignoniaceae family.
Color Description
Heartwood maintains a deep reddish brown to olive-brown base with lighter and darker streaks; sapwood is yellowish gray. Naturally develops a silver-gray patina over time if left untreated in sunlight.
Hardness Rating
3,510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; exceptionally resistant to rot, termites, and wood-boring insects. High resistance to fungal decay and weathering.
Common Uses
Exterior decking, boardwalks, luxury outdoor furniture, siding, tool handles, boat building, and heavy-duty construction.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (primarily Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 to $25.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern milling (likely 10-20 years old) showing surface oxidation and light silvering consistent with moderate exposure to UV and moisture.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II as of 2024; listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to high demand and illegal logging. FSC certification widely sought for ethical sourcing.
Workability
Very difficult to work due to extreme density and high cutting resistance. Dulls blades rapidly; pre-drilling is mandatory for fasteners. Gluing can be difficult due to natural oils and high density.
Notable Features
Extremely heavy and dense (sinks in water); contains 'Lapachol' dust which can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals; has a Class A fire rating (similar to concrete and steel).
Finish Recommendations
Requires penetrating oils formulated specifically for hardwoods (e.g., Ipe Oil, Penofin). Film-forming finishes like polyurethane are prone to peeling due to natural oils. May be left unfinished to weather to a gray patina.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic olive-brown coloring, visible yellow-greenish powder (lapachol) in pores, extreme density, and grain movement are diagnostic for Ipe.