Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) · Hardwood / Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Hardwood / Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Central and South America (predominantly Brazil and northern South America)
- Hardness
- 3,680 lbf - Extremely Hard
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent natural resistance to rot, fungal decay, termites, and wood-boring insects, making it one of the most durable woods known.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a fine to medium texture. Shows faint wavy or cathedral-like growth rings with conspicuous light-colored parenchyma lines filled with lapachol deposits.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a dark reddish-brown to olive-brown tone, often with dark gray or blackish streaks. Sapwood is yellowish or grayish-white. Darkens to a deep rich brown upon UV exposure, eventually weathering to a silvery-gray outdoors if untreated.
Hardness (Janka)
3,680 lbf - Extremely Hard
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent natural resistance to rot, fungal decay, termites, and wood-boring insects, making it one of the most durable woods known.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $12.00 - $18.00 per board foot (varies depending on board dimension and grade)
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber (likely less than 10-20 years old), showing weathered surface oxidation and mounting drill holes.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on CITES Appendix II (effective late 2024 due to overharvesting concerns). FSC-certified sourcing is recommended but increasingly regulated.
Common Uses
Exterior decking, boardwalks, docks, heavy marine construction, outdoor furniture, flooring, tool handles, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (predominantly Brazil and northern South America)
Workability
Extremely difficult to work with due to high density and hardness. Dulls cutting tools very quickly; high carbide tooling is required. Pre-drilling is mandatory for fasteners. Glues moderately well with proper surface prep.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil finishes specially formulated for dense hardwoods (e.g., Messmer's or Penofin Ipe Oil) applied annually. Film-forming finishes like varnish or poly should be avoided as they tend to peel due to the wood's high natural oil content.
Notable Features
Extremely high density (sinks in water) and high fire resistance (Class A fire rating). Contains lapachol yellow powder/resin deposits in pores which can cause skin irritation or respiratory sensitivities during machining.
