Ipê
Handroanthus spp.
Family: Bignoniaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
South America, Central America
Avg. Dried Weight
69 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
3,510 lbf
Decay Resistance
Very Durable
Typical Color
Dark Brown
Stability
High
Outdoor Suitability
Excellent
Workability
Difficult
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Appendix II
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •Ipê is harder than 97% of all species in our database — one of the hardest woods commercially available.
- •At 69 lb/ft³, Ipê is denser than water and will sink when submerged.
- •Ipê is one of the few species rated both "Very Durable" for decay resistance and "Excellent" for outdoor use — ideal for ground-contact and marine applications.
Janka Hardness Scale
Extremely Hard
Overview
Professional Summary
Ipê (Handroanthus spp.) is the gold standard for hardwood decking worldwide. With a Janka hardness of 3,510 lbf, it's one of the hardest commercially available woods. Its extraordinary decay resistance (Class 1) and dimensional stability make it virtually maintenance-free in exterior applications, with a projected service life of 40-75 years.
In Plain English
Ipe (pronounced EE-pay) is the ultimate deck wood. It's incredibly hard, virtually indestructible outdoors, and will last decades without treatment. It's sometimes called 'ironwood' because it's so dense it sinks in water. The dark olive-brown color weathers to silver-gray if left natural.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Movement Predictor
Estimate how much a Ipê board changes width as moisture content changes.
+0.093 in (2.35 mm)
Linear estimate using tangential shrinkage (7.2%, green to oven-dry) and a 28% fiber saturation point. Real movement varies by board, finish, and grain; not a design value.
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
The premium choice for exterior decking, boardwalks, dock pilings, and heavy-duty outdoor construction. Also used for flooring in commercial applications requiring extreme durability.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Extremely hard — requires pre-drilling for every fastener. Very heavy (69 lb/ft³) — plan for structural support. Dust is a severe respiratory irritant. Always wear proper PPE.
Native Distribution
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Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar dark brown color that are easily confused with Ipê. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Softer (Janka 3,360 lbf)
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Softer (Janka 1,010 lbf)
- • Lighter (38 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium
- • Softer (Janka 2,250 lbf)
- • Lighter (61 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Medium
- • Softer (Janka 2,440 lbf)
- • Lighter (52 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Medium to coarse