Ipe, Brazilian Walnut Hardwood Technical Species Information

Detailed scientific and mechanical properties for Ipe, Brazilian Walnut Hardwood Lumber

Ipe, Brazilian Walnut

Description: Ipe is an incredibly durable wood. Its dense cell structure serves as a natural deterrent to insects, decay, and molds. Because of this natural resilience Ipe is often the first choice for decking because of its almost unparalleled ability to stand up to the elements. More than just durable, Ipe is also very pleasing to the eye. Its heartwood is light to dark olive brown with contrasting yellowish-grey or grey brown tones accompanying it. With a Class A fire rating, Ipe occupies the same class of fire-retardant materials as steel. For durability, safety, and beauty, Ipe makes an excellent choice.
More Info: We specialize in both unfinished hardwood floors and prefinished flooring. Available width are 3", 4" and 5". Please see our product catalog for more information.
Other Names: Handroanthus spp, formerly Tabebuia spp, Brazilian Ebony, Brazilian Walnut, Ironwood, Irontree, Tajibo, Guayacan, Lapacho, Arcwood, Extreme Ipe, ExtremeIpe
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Janka Hardness: 3,680 pounds
Strength (MOR): 25,400 psi
Stiffness (MOE): 3,140 1000 psi
Density (KG/m3): 1,050
Color: Ipe heartwood contains shades of black and greenish-brown with some striping. The sapwood can be white or yellow toned.
Photosensitivity: Ipe will darken upon exposure to light.
Tangential Shrinkage: 8.0%
Radial Shrinkage: 6.6%
Family: Bignoniaceae
Tree Characteristics: The Ipe Tree can grow to 140 to 150 feet heigh while the diameter of its trunk can measure up to 6 feet. The average height and diameter for the Ipe tree is 100 feet and 2 to 3 feet, respectively.
Geographic Area: Ipe can be found in some of the Lesser Antilles and throughout continental tropical America. The tree can typically be found in marsh forests or ridge tops and riverbanks.
Texture: Fine to medium
Grain: Straight to very irregular
Luster: Low to medium
Durability Rating: Highly resistant to fungus and termites.
Drying Characteristics: Air dries rapidly, exhibiting only minor warping and checking.
Working Characteristics: Ipe is rated as moderately difficult to work with, as it blunts cutting edges. It finishes smoothly with the exception of roey portions in the wood.
Applications: Railroad crossties, heavy construction, decorative veneers, tool handles, turnery, industrial flooring, flooring, decking, furniture
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