Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Typically straight to irregular or interlocked; fine to medium texture with a low natural luster. The sample shows a fine, uniform grain typical of rift or quarter-sawn tropical dense hardwoods.
Color Description
Heartwood is reddish brown to yellowish olive-gray or blackish brown, often with lighter or darker streaks. Sapwood is yellowish or whitish. It darkens significantly with age and UV exposure to a deep chocolate brown or silvery gray if left unfinished.
Hardness Rating
3,510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; extremely resistant to rot, termites, and wood-boring insects. It is one of the most durable woods in the world, with a fire rating similar to concrete and steel.
Common Uses
High-end outdoor decking, flooring, dock building, bridge construction, heavy-duty benches, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (principally Brazil)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 to $25.00 per board foot, depending on width, length, and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era; this appears to be a relatively new, milled architectural sample or decking board (approx. 1-10 years based on surface oxidation and sharp edges).
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II. Increasing concern regarding overharvesting; FSC certification is available but adds significant cost.
Workability
Extremely difficult to work. High density and interlocked grain cause severe blunting of cutting edges. Hard to glue due to high natural oils; pre-drilling is essential for any fasteners.
Notable Features
Extremely heavy and dense (it sinks in water); mild, spicy scent when worked. High tannin content and natural oils provide natural weatherproofing. Noted for its Class A fire rating.
Finish Recommendations
Usually left unfinished to weather to a silver gray, or finished with specialized penetrating oils (e.g., Ipe Oil or Penofin). Film-forming finishes like polyurethane are prone to peeling due to natural oils.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic reddish-olive-brown color, extremely tight pore structure, evident density, and the specific rounding of the edges are classic identifiers for Ipe decking material.