Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and South America (predominantly Brazil and tropical America).
- Hardness
- 3,510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, decay, termites, and wood-boring insects. Class 1 rating for outdoor use.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a fine, uniform texture; diffuse-porous structure visible with small yellow lapachol powder deposits in pores.
Color & Appearance
Medium reddish-brown to dark olive-brown heartwood with darker purplish-brown striping. Low natural luster, tends to darken slightly upon exposure to light or weather to a silvery-gray if untreated.
Hardness (Janka)
3,510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, decay, termites, and wood-boring insects. Class 1 rating for outdoor use.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 - $15.00 per board foot (or approx. $4.50 - $8.00 per linear foot for standard 1x6 decking).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern cut lumber sample, freshly machined or stored recently; board shows minimal surface oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Vulnerable for certain species due to overharvesting; subject to increased CITES Appendix II listing regulations in recent years. FSC certification recommended.
Common Uses
Exterior decking, boardwalks, heavy construction, docks, outdoor furniture, siding, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (predominantly Brazil and tropical America).
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. Blunts cutting edges rapidly; requires pre-drilling for screws and fastens best with specialized outdoor adhesives. Fine yellow dust (lapachol) can cause skin/respiratory irritation.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil finishes specifically formulated for dense hardwoods (e.g., Ipe Oil, Messmer's). Avoid film-forming finishes like varnish or heavy polyurethane which peel easily.
Notable Features
Extremely dense (sinks in water), fire-resistant (Class A fire rating equivalent to concrete/steel), contains yellow lapachol powder in pores that turns red with alkaline solutions.
