Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular or interlocked; fine to medium texture with a low natural luster. Sometimes exhibits a subtle 'ribbon' figure on quartersawn surfaces.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish brown, sometimes with greenish or yellowish hues, often with lighter or darker streaks. Sapwood is yellowish or whitish and clearly demarcated. The wood darkens slightly and becomes more uniform with exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
3,510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, decay, and insect attack (including termites). Often rated for 25+ years of ground contact.
Common Uses
Exterior decking, boardwalks, landscaping timbers, heavy-duty flooring, tool handles, boat building, and dock construction.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (primarily Brazil)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot (varies based on dimensions and local availability)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/Recent (less than 5-10 years based on surface oxidation and typical industrial milling marks)
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II; IUCN status varies by specific species, though generally considered at risk due to over-harvesting. FSC certification is available but rare.
Workability
Very difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. Dulls cutting edges rapidly; requires carbide-tipped tooling. Glues can be problematic due to natural oils. Pre-drilling is mandatory for fasteners.
Notable Features
Extremely heavy and sinks in water; contains lapachol (a yellow dust that can cause skin irritation/allergies); possesses the same fire rating as concrete and steel (Class A).
Finish Recommendations
Usually left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey or treated with specialized penetrating oils (e.g., Penofin) designed for dense tropical hardwoods. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane are prone to peeling.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identified based on the characteristic fine oily texture, olive-brown heartwood color, extreme density, and diffuse-porous vessels visible in the face grain.