Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually interlocked or irregular with a fine to medium texture; grain can be wavy or straight, providing a very dense and uniform appearance.
Color Description
Heartwood can vary from reddish brown to a yellowish olive-gray or blackish brown; sapwood is much lighter yellow or white. It darkens significantly with age and UV exposure and has a moderate luster.
Hardness Rating
3,510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay, termites, and wood-boring insects. Noted for being nearly as fire-resistant as concrete or steel.
Common Uses
Exterior decking, boardwalks, flooring, railroad ties, tool handles, ship building, and heavy construction.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (principally Brazil) and parts of the Caribbean.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled appearance with minimal oxidation or wear, likely a contemporary sample (under 5 years).
Sustainability Status
Appendix II of CITES (effective 2024); listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to overharvesting. FSC certification is highly recommended.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme hardness/density; it has a high dulling effect on cutters. Glues well with proper surface preparation (oils can interfere); drilling pilot holes is mandatory.
Notable Features
Extremely heavy (sinks in water); has a mild, pleasant scent; contains lapachol dust which can cause skin irritation; naturally high oil content.
Finish Recommendations
Best treated with specialized penetrating oils (e.g., Ipe Oil) to maintain color, or left unfinished to weather to a silver-gray. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane are prone to peeling.
Identification Confidence
High; the olive-brown color, characteristic interlocked grain, and visible density on a small dimension strip are hallmarks of Handroanthus species.