Ipe, Brazilian Walnut Hardwood Technical Species Information

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

Ipe, Brazilian Walnut

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.

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Ipe, Brazilian Walnut Wood Properties

Janka Hardness: 3,680 lbf
Modulus of Rupture (MOR): 25,400 psi
Modulus of Elasticity (MOE): 3,140 ×1000 psi
Density: 1,050 kg/m³
Tangential Shrinkage: 8%
Radial Shrinkage: 6.6%
Botanical Family: Bignoniaceae
Tree: 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.
Distribution: 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.
Other Names: Handroanthus spp, formerly Tabebuia spp, Brazilian Ebony, Brazilian Walnut, Ironwood, Irontree, Tajibo, Guayacan, Lapacho, Arcwood, Extreme Ipe, ExtremeIpe

Ipe, Brazilian Walnut Characteristics

Color

Ipe heartwood contains shades of black and greenish-brown with some striping. The sapwood can be white or yellow toned.

Texture

Fine to medium

Grain

Straight to very irregular

Luster

Low to medium

Durability

Highly resistant to fungus and termites.

Drying

Air dries rapidly, exhibiting only minor warping and checking.

Workability

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

Photosensitivity

Ipe will darken upon exposure to light.

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.