Ipe
Handroanthus spp. · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Central and South America, particularly the tropical rainforests of Brazil.
- Hardness
- 3,680 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Exceptionally resistant to decay, rot, fungi, and insect attacks.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular, often with a fine, interwoven texture and medium to high natural luster.
Color & Appearance
Rich deep brown, sometimes with reddish or yellowish hues, often featuring contrasting darker stripes. Darkens significantly with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
3,680 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Exceptionally resistant to decay, rot, fungi, and insect attacks.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 to $15.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent harvest with minimal deep structural weathering, though surface oxidation suggests several months to a few years of air exposure.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, but some species are on the IUCN Red List. Sourcing certified legal timber (such as FSC) is recommended.
Common Uses
Decking, exterior flooring, heavy-duty construction, exterior furniture, boardwalks, tool handles, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America, particularly the tropical rainforests of Brazil.
Workability
Extremely difficult to work with due to extreme density and hardness. Highly blunts cutting edges, pre-drilling is required for fasteners, and gluing can be tricky due to natural oils.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating exotic hardwood oils work best. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane often fail due to the wood's high natural oil content.
Notable Features
Incredible density (often sinks in water), high natural oil content, contains lapachol which can cause allergic reactions in some individuals, and possesses a Class A fire rating.
