Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and irregular grain with a fine to medium texture. Shows subtle cathedral patterns and dark streaks on the tangential face.
Color Description
Reddish brown to olive brown heartwood with frequent darker blackish stripes. Sapwood is yellowish-gray. It tends to darken further into a deep chocolate brown upon exposure to UV light.
Hardness Rating
3,684 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, termites, and fungal decay. Often compared to steel in terms of fire rating and resilience for outdoor use.
Common Uses
High-end decking, outdoor furniture, boardwalks, flooring, tool handles, boat building, and bridge construction.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (predominantly Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot (varies by width and length).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut to 1 year; the edges show sharp mechanical saw marks and minimal surface oxidation, though the color is already transitioning to deep brown.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II (as of late 2024 regulation updates); vulnerable due to overexploitation; FSC certified stock is available but premium-priced.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. It has a high blunting effect on cutters and requires carbide tooling. Gluing can be difficult due to natural oils. Pre-drilling is required.
Notable Features
Extremely heavy/dense (sinks in water); has a mild, scentless quality when worked but dust can be a severe skin/respiratory irritant. Contains lapachol, which can leave yellow deposits.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils specific to tropical hardwoods (like Ipe Oil) are recommended. Surface films like polyurethane often fail or peel due to the wood's density and oil content.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the olive-brown oily hue, extreme grain density evident in the rough cut, and characteristic dark mineral streaks strongly indicate Handroanthus species.