Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight but often interlocked or wavy with a fine to medium texture. The sample shows a dense, uniform flat-sawn appearance common in high-grade decking.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish-brown to yellowish-olive color, sometimes with darker blackish-brown streaks. Sapwood is much lighter yellow. It has a low to moderate natural luster and darkens significantly with age/UV exposure to a silvery gray if left unfinished.
Hardness Rating
3,510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to rot, termites, and wood-boring insects. Noted for its high silica content and marine borer resistance.
Common Uses
Luxury decking, bridge construction, boardwalks, flooring, exterior furniture, tool handles, and heavy-duty marine applications.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (principally Brazil and the Guianas).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $12.00 - $18.00 per board foot for dimensional lumber; decking is typically sold by the linear foot.
Wood Age Estimate
5-10 years post-processing based on surface oxidation and dry texture; however, Ipe is known for slow aging characteristics.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List due to overharvesting. FSC certification is highly recommended for ethical sourcing.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme density and high silica content. Dulls blades rapidly; carbide-tipped tooling is required. Pre-drilling is essential as splitting is common near ends. Some tearout during planing on interlocked grain.
Notable Features
Extremely heavy (sinks in water); has a mild, sweet scent when cut; fire rating similar to steel or concrete (Class A); yellow 'lapachol' dust can cause skin and respiratory irritation.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil finishes specifically formulated for tropical hardwoods (e.g., Ipe Oil). Film-forming finishes like polyurethane are prone to peeling due to high natural oil content and movement.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive olive-brown color, extremely dense/tight grain structures, and visible yellowish powder (lapachol) common in the pores are diagnostic for the Handroanthus genus.