Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually interlocked or straight; very fine, uniform texture. Pores are filled with yellow-greenish lapachol powder giving it a distinct vessel appearance.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically reddish brown or yellowish olive-brown, often with lighter or darker streaks. It darkens significantly upon exposure to light. Moderate natural luster.
Hardness Rating
3,510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and wood-boring insects. Naturally fire-resistant (Class A rating).
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, boardwalks, exterior siding, pool surrounds, heavy marine construction, tool handles, and high-end outdoor furniture.
Geographic Origin
Tropical South and Central America (chiefly Brazil)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on dimensions and grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively fresh cut or recently surfaced; showing vibrant reddish-brown hues before typical sun-bleaching/silvering occurs.
Sustainability Status
Recently added to CITES Appendix II (February 2023) due to over-harvesting; FSC certification is highly recommended to ensure ethical sourcing.
Workability
Commonly difficult due to extreme density and hardness. Dulls cutting edges rapidly. Use of carbide-tipped tools is mandatory. Gluing can be difficult due to natural oils.
Notable Features
Extremely heavy (sinks in water); sawdust can be a skin/respiratory irritant (lapachol dust). Virtually no odor when worked.
Finish Recommendations
Best left unfinished to weather to a silver-gray, or treated with specialized penetrating oils (e.g., Ipe Oil) to maintain color. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane are prone to peeling.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the fine-pored texture, saturated reddish-brown color, and specific density visible in the thickness of the plank is characteristic of Ipe.