Ipe (Brazilian Walnut)
Handroanthus spp. (formerly Tabebuia spp.) • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Varies from straight to very irregular or interlocked. Exhibits a fine to medium texture with a low natural luster. The grain on this sample appears somewhat messy and slightly interlocked typical of rough-milled decking.
Color Description
Heartwood can vary from reddish brown to a yellowish tan or dark olive brown, sometimes with blackish streaks. Sapwood is much lighter yellow or gray. This sample shows deep brown oxidation and weathering with some lighter yellowish spots and surface grime.
Hardness Rating
3510 lbf (Extremely Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot, termites, and other wood-boring insects. It is one of the most durable timbers in the world for outdoor exposure.
Common Uses
Decking, exterior lumber, boardwalks, flooring, tool handles, boat building, and bridge construction.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (especially Brazil).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot (standard decking planks are often priced by linear foot, typically $4.00 - $8.00 per linear foot).
Wood Age Estimate
Based on surface oxidation and localized staining, this sample appears to be at least 1-3 years old or has been stored in an environment with light exposure and handling.
Sustainability Status
Appendix II of CITES (recently added) and listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to heavy logging; FSC certified material is available but carries a premium.
Workability
Very difficult to work due to extreme density and hardness. It has a high blunting effect on cutters. Hard to glue and requires pre-drilling for all fasteners. Sawdust can be a skin and respiratory irritant.
Notable Features
Extremely heavy (it sinks in water); mild, spicy scent when worked. It has a Class A fire rating, the same as steel and concrete. Contains Lapachol, which can cause yellowish dust and skin irritation.
Finish Recommendations
Usually left unfinished to weather to a silver-grey or treated with specialized penetrating oils (e.g., Penofin for Hardwood) to maintain color. Standard film finishes like polyurethane often fail or peel because of the wood's density and high natural oil content.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The combination of color, visible grain density, rough-sawn texture characteristic of tropical decking imports, and the specific yellowish 'lapachol' dusting seen in cracks strongly points to Ipe.