Ipe
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and South America, particularly Brazil
- Hardness
- 3,680 lbf (Extremely Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable with exceptional resistance to rot, decay, fungi, and insect attack
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a fine to medium texture, featuring irregular patterns and occasional wavy figure
Color & Appearance
Varies from olive brown to reddish brown or darker blackish brown, sometimes with contrasting yellowish streaks; darkens significantly upon exposure to light
Hardness (Janka)
3,680 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable with exceptional resistance to rot, decay, fungi, and insect attack
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be a moderately seasoned board, roughly 5 to 15 years old based on surface oxidation and minor weathering
- Sustainability Status
- Generally not listed on CITES appendices or IUCN red list, but heavily exploited; certified sustainable sources (like FSC) can be difficult to verify consistently
Common Uses
Decking, exterior flooring, heavy-duty construction, dock and marine applications, outdoor furniture, tool handles
Geographic Origin
Central and South America, particularly Brazil
Workability
Very difficult to work with due to extreme density and hardness; severely dulls cutting edges, requires carbide-tipped tools, pre-boring for screws, and careful gluing
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils specifically formulated for exotic hardwoods are recommended; film-forming finishes like polyurethane often fail due to natural oils
Notable Features
Contains natural oils and lapachol, highly fire-resistant (comparable to steel or concrete), extremely dense (often sinks in water), can cause allergic reactions in sensitive individuals
