Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Primarily straight but often interlocked or wavy; features a fine, uniform texture with very small pores and a slight cathedral figure visible in the flat-sawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish-brown to olive-brown with dark streaks; sapwood is yellowish-white. It exhibits a low to medium luster and typically darkens to a deep brown or weathers to a uniform silver-gray if left untreated outdoors.
Hardness Rating
3,510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot, termites, and fungal decay. Often cited as having a fire rating similar to concrete or steel.
Common Uses
Exterior decking, boardwalks, luxury outdoor furniture, flooring, tool handles, marine construction, and heavy-duty industrial applications.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (primarily Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on dimensions and certification.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 2–5 years of surface aging; the presence of fine checking and silvering at the edges suggests exposure to outdoor elements without recent maintenance.
Sustainability Status
Appendix II of CITES (recently listed); IUCN status varies by specific species within the group. FSC certification is available but requires careful sourcing due to illegal logging concerns.
Workability
Difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. It has a high dulling effect on cutters; carbide tooling is required. Pre-drilling is essential for all fasteners, and glue bonding can be tricky due to natural oils.
Notable Features
Highly dense (sinks in water); contains lapachol (a yellow dust that can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals); extremely high oil content which provides natural weatherproofing.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil finishes specifically designed for hardwoods (e.g., Ipe oil). Film-forming finishes like polyurethane are generally discouraged as they tend to peel due to the wood's density and oils.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the distinctive olive-brown hue, fine Grain structure, visible yellow lapachol traces in pores, and the characteristic surface checking are indicative of Ipe.