Ipe (also known as Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight but frequently interlocked; fine to medium texture with a low natural luster. The sample shows a fine, uniform 'partridge wood' or 'flecked' appearance common in quarter-sawn tropical hardwoods.
Color Description
Heartwood is a deep reddish-brown to olive-black, often with lighter or darker streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. It typically darkens with age and exposure to UV light unless treated with stabilizers.
Hardness Rating
3,510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; extremely resistant to rot, decay, termites, and wood-boring insects. It is well-known for its class A fire rating, similar to concrete or steel.
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, boardwalks (notably the Atlantic City Boardwalk), heavy construction, dock pilings, bridge components, outdoor furniture, and high-wear flooring.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (principally Brazil, but also ranging to Mexico and Argentina).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot, though usually sold by linear foot for decking ($4.00 - $7.00/lin. ft).
Wood Age Estimate
Pre-milled new stock; the deep oxidation suggest a recent finish application or industrial UV-cured coating rather than antique patina.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II as of late 2022/2023. Vulnerable due to over-harvesting; FSC certification is highly recommended to ensure legal logging.
Workability
Extremely difficult to work due to high density and hardness. It has a high blunting effect on tool edges; carbide-tipped blades and pre-drilling are mandatory. Dries slowly with high stability once cured.
Notable Features
Produces a yellow-green dust (lapachol) during sanding that can cause dermatitis or respiratory irritation in sensitive individuals. It is so dense it sinks in water.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil finishes specifically formulated for tropical woods (e.g., Ipe Oil, Messmer's). Does not accept film-forming finishes like polyurethane well due to high natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very tight, fine grain, reddish-brown color with olive undertones, and the distinct lack of visible pores without magnification is characteristic of Handroanthus species.