Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and South America (principally Brazil and northern South America)
- Hardness
- 3,680 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Exceptional natural resistance to rot, decay, termites, marine borers, and severe weathering.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a fine to medium texture. Shows flat-sawn decking board orientation with subtle ribbon-like figure.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is reddish-brown to dark olive-brown with dark gray/blackish streaks. Weathered surface shows a muted grayish-brown patina with visible yellow lapachol powder specks in the grain pores.
Hardness (Janka)
3,680 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Exceptional natural resistance to rot, decay, termites, marine borers, and severe weathering.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 - $14.00 per linear foot for standard 1x6 decking boards ($12.00 - $20.00 per board foot equivalent).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Installed outdoor deck structure, estimated 3 to 8 years old based on surface graying, fastener oxidation ring marks, and slight surface weathering.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on CITES Appendix II (effective 2024 due to overharvesting concerns). FSC-certified timber is available but subject to tightening supply regulations.
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, boardwalks, heavy construction, docks, outdoor furniture, siding, and flooring.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (principally Brazil and northern South America)
Workability
Extremely difficult to work. Dulls cutting tools rapidly due to extreme density and silica content. Requires carbide-tipped tools, pre-drilling for all fasteners, and special adhesives.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil finishes specifically formulated for tropical hardwoods (e.g., Messmer's, Penofin, or Ipe Oil). Requires periodic reapplication to maintain rich original reddish-brown color; otherwise left to weather naturally to a silver-gray patina.
Notable Features
Contains lapachol chemical compound (yellow dusting in pores), Class A fire-rating equal to concrete and steel, high density (sinks in water), and mild vanilla-like scent when freshly cut.
