Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked; fine to medium texture. The image shows a fine-grained, dense structure typical of rift-sawn tropical heavy hardwoods.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a reddish-brown to yellowish-olive. It can appear very dark brown to near-black. Sapwood is yellowish-white. It often darkens significantly with UV exposure unless treated.
Hardness Rating
3,510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; extremely resistant to rot, decay, and insect attack. One of the few woods with a Class A fire rating.
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, boardwalks, heavy-duty exterior construction, docks, and high-end veneer.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (predominantly Brazil)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot (depending on width and length)
Wood Age Estimate
N/A - Modern cut; appears as a contemporary scrap or offcut with minimal oxidation or wear.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II (as of late 2024); listed as Vulnerable by some regional IUCN sources due to high demand and illegal logging.
Workability
Difficult due to extreme hardness/density. Causes rapid dulling of cutting edges; requires carbide tools. Glue can be problematic due to natural oils.
Notable Features
Extremely heavy (sinks in water); contains lapachol dust which can cause dermatitis; very mild scent when worked; high oil content.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils specifically formulated for exotic hardwoods (e.g., Ipe Oil). Film-building finishes like polyurethane often fail due to extreme density and oil content.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; Based on the extreme density visible in the cut grain, the characteristic dark olive-brown hue, and the way the wood fibers reacted to the drill hole (showing high structural integrity).