Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Primarily straight to interlocked grain with a fine to medium texture. Some boards show a slight wavy or cathedral pattern, though weathering has obscured fine figure details.
Color Description
Currently weathered to a uniform silvery-gray patina with visible lichen growth. Fresh heartwood ranges from reddish-brown to yellowish-olive or dark blackish-brown; sapwood is yellowish-white. It loses its rich oils and dark color rapidly under UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
3,684 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, termites, and wood-boring insects; often rated for 25+ years of ground contact.
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, boardwalks, dock pilings, bridge building, heavy-duty exterior furniture, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (principally Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on dimensions and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
10-15 years. The advanced silvering, surface checking (cracks), and established lichen growth suggest significant long-term weathering without recent maintenance.
Sustainability Status
Appendix II CITES listed (as of 2024); Vulnerable status on IUCN Red List due to over-harvesting; FSC certification is highly recommended to ensure legal logging.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme density and hardness. Causes significant dulling of steel cutters (carbide-tipped tools are required); requires pre-drilling for all fasteners; produces fine, irritating yellow dust (lapachol).
Notable Features
Exhibits Class A fire rating (similar to concrete/steel); contains lapachol (a yellow powder that can cause skin irritation); sinks in water due to high density.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil finishes specifically formulated for tropical hardwoods (e.g., Ipe Oil, Messmer's). Does not accept film-forming finishes like polyurethane well due to high oil content. If grayed out like this sample, a brightener/cleaner is needed before oiling.
Identification Confidence
High. The thin board width, lack of warping/rotting despite heavy weathering, extreme density, and specific graying pattern are classic indicators of high-grade tropical decking like Ipe.