Most likely Ipe (Brazilian Walnut); alternatives include Cumaru or Jatoba.
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) · Hardwood; Exotic/Tropical
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood; Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Tropical Central and South America, especially Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru.
- Hardness
- Approximately 3,680 lbf Janka; Extremely Hard.
- Durability
- Very Durable; highly resistant to decay, abrasion, and insects, including in exterior exposure.
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Grain Pattern
Predominantly straight to mildly interlocked grain, with fine, ribbon-like longitudinal streaking; no obvious figured pattern.
Color & Appearance
Medium to dark olive-brown heartwood with subtle gray-brown variation and low-to-moderate luster. Ipe commonly lightens and grays with prolonged UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
Approximately 3,680 lbf Janka; Extremely Hard.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to decay, abrasion, and insects, including in exterior exposure.
Value & Age
Approximately $12–25+ per board foot retail, varying substantially by thickness, grade, and location.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Cannot be determined from this single finished face; the surface appears relatively clean and recently finished rather than strongly aged.
Common Uses
Decking, exterior joinery, flooring, heavy-duty furniture, tool handles, turning, and specialty construction.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Central and South America, especially Brazil, Bolivia, and Peru.
Workability
Very dense and abrasive: carbide tooling, predrilling, and sharp blades are recommended. It machines reasonably when supported, but may blunt tools and can be difficult to glue reliably without careful surface preparation.
Finish Recommendations
For exterior use, use a penetrating UV-resistant hardwood oil; indoors, film finishes such as polyurethane or lacquer are suitable after solvent-wiping and light abrasion. Unfinished surfaces will weather gray.
Notable Features
Very heavy, dense, dimensionally stable, and naturally oily; fine pale streaking is characteristic of many Ipe boards.
