Ipe
Scientific name: Handroanthus serratifolius
Overview
Ipe is a South American hardwood known for its extreme density, durability, and natural resistance to decay and insects. Native to Central and South America, it is most commonly used in exterior and heavy-duty applications where long service life is required.
Often marketed under trade names such as Brazilian Walnut, Ipe is valued for its strength, dark coloration, and ability to withstand harsh environmental conditions without chemical treatment.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Ipe
- Scientific Name: Handroanthus serratifolius
- Region: South American Hardwoods (Central & South America)
- Tree Size: 100–130 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 69 lbs/ft³ (1,105 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 3,680 lbf
- Color: Olive brown to dark brown, sometimes with lighter or darker streaks
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Fine to medium
Identification Characteristics
Ipe is identified by its dark brown color, fine texture, and exceptionally high weight relative to size. The grain is usually straight, though slight interlock may be present. Freshly milled material may appear lighter but darkens with age and exposure.
Ipe feels noticeably heavier than most hardwoods and sinks in water due to its density.
Key identification traits include:
- Medium to dark brown heartwood
- Very high density and weight
- Fine, tight grain
- Smooth surface with minimal visible pores
Working Properties
Ipe is challenging to work due to its hardness and density but performs well when proper techniques are used.
- Requires sharp carbide tooling
- Pre-drilling is essential for fasteners
- Machines cleanly with proper setup
- Sands slowly but evenly
- Excellent dimensional stability
Its demanding nature is offset by long-term durability and performance.
Safety Note
Dust from Ipe may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection, eye protection, and respiratory protection are strongly recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Ipe is most often used in demanding and long-lasting applications, including:
- Exterior decking
- Boardwalks and bridges
- Outdoor furniture
- Heavy-duty flooring
- Marine and waterfront structures
Its natural resistance to rot and insects makes it a preferred material for exterior use.
Sustainability & Notes
Ipe is not currently listed under CITES restrictions, but concerns over overharvesting and illegal logging exist in some regions. Availability varies depending on source and country of origin.
Buyers are encouraged to seek suppliers that document legal harvesting and responsible forest management practices.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Cumaru – A very dense South American hardwood commonly used in decking and heavy-duty flooring, often slightly less hard but similar in durability.
Garapa – A lighter-colored tropical hardwood used in decking, generally easier to work but less dense than Ipe.
Massaranduba – A dense hardwood used in decking and structural applications, known for its strength and uniform appearance.
Related Guides
Best Woods for Outdoor Use
Discover which wood species offer the best natural resistance to rot, moisture, and weather exposure for long-lasting outdoor performance.
Wood Toxicity and Allergies Guide – Learn which wood species may cause skin irritation, respiratory reactions, or allergic responses, along with practical safety recommendations for cutting, sanding, and finishing wood.
Understanding Wood Shrinkage Values – Learn how radial, tangential, and volumetric shrinkage affect wood movement, dimensional stability, and long-term performance in furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and woodworking projects.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
While Ipe is widely used as a construction material, it is less commonly collected for fine woodworking due to its extreme hardness. Collectors and specialty woodworkers tend to favor straight-grained, defect-free boards suitable for structural or accent applications.
Well-seasoned Ipe is exceptionally stable and durable. Older stock that has fully acclimated is often preferred, as it machines more predictably than freshly milled material. Proper storage helps prevent surface checking and maintains long-term usability.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
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Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
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