Epe (also known as Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually interlocked or wavy, with a fine to medium texture. It often exhibits a subtle 'ribbon' figure when quarter-sawn and has a very uniform, dense appearance.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a reddish-brown to yellowish-olive, often with darker blackish-brown streaks. It darkens significantly upon exposure to light. The sapwood is a yellowish-white and clearly demarcated.
Hardness Rating
3,680 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, termites, and wood-boring insects. It is one of the most durable wood species in the world, often rated for 25+ years in ground contact.
Common Uses
Exterior decking, boardwalks, flooring, tool handles, heavy upholstery, marine construction, and railroad ties.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (principally Brazil)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot, though often sold by the linear foot for decking applications.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely processed within the last 1-5 years based on the crispness of the edges and lack of deep oxidation or silvering from UV exposure.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II as of 2024. Certain species are listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable. FSC certification is available but adds significantly to the cost.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and high cutting resistance. It has a pronounced dulling effect on tool steel; carbide-tipped cutters are required. Gluing can be difficult due to natural oils.
Notable Features
Extremely heavy (it sinks in water); contains lapachol compounds which can cause skin irritation; has a fire rating similar to concrete and steel.
Finish Recommendations
Best left unfinished for outdoor use to weather to a silver-grey. If color retention is desired, use a penetrating oil specifically formulated for dense tropical hardwoods. Film-forming finishes like polyurethane are prone to peeling.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive oily texture, reddish-brown hue with olive undertones, extreme density visible in the grain tightness, and typical use-case context are characteristic of Ipe.