Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked with a fine to medium texture. Visible surface checking and deep longitudinal cracks suggest a flat-sawn orientation exposed to weathering.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically reddish brown to yellowish olive-brown; this sample shows advanced silver-gray weathering and oxidation due to UV exposure. Sapwood is yellowish-white but not clearly visible here.
Hardness Rating
3,510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay; often rated for 25+ years of ground contact.
Common Uses
Outdoor decking, boardwalks, piers, outdoor furniture, heavy construction, tool handles, and high-end flooring.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Americas (Central and South America), primarily Brazil.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot, though usually sold by linear foot for decking.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 5–10 years of outdoor exposure based on the significant silvering (oxidation) and the presence of deep structural checks/cracks.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II as of 2024; IUCN status varies by species but generally near-threatened due to high demand and slow growth.
Workability
Extremely difficult to work. High density and interlocked grain cause severe blunting of cutting edges. Hard to glue due to natural oils and best joined with pre-drilling and stainless steel fasteners.
Notable Features
Often sinks in water (Specific Gravity > 1.0). Contains lapachol powder which can cause dermatitis and turns yellow when exposed to alkaline solutions.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating exotic timber oils (like Ipe Oil) are recommended to maintain color. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane are prone to peeling due to the wood's natural oils.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The combination of characteristic silver-gray weathering patterns, the specific type of longitudinal checking seen in dense tropical hardwoods, and the tight grain structure is highly indicative of weathered Ipe.