Durable Beautiful Brazilian Ipe

What is Ipe” (pronounced “ee’ – pay”)

Ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”) is a luxurious tropical hardwood that grows throughout South America. Ipe wood is also known as Ironwood, Brazilian Ipe, Brazilian Walnut, Pau Lope, Bethabarra, or Lapacho – and generally includes all species of the Tabebuia genus.

Due to successful forestry management and low impact logging practices, Brazilian Ipe is not an endangered species. Ipe hardwood dries extremely well with little checking, twisting, or bowing; and naturally resists wear, rot, splintering, termites, fire, chemicals, and marine borers. A very heavy timber, approximately 69 lbs. per cubic foot, Ipe hardwood usually sinks in water and has an actual fire rating of NFPA Class A!

At Balance Works, our craftsmen select from a variety of hardwoods to ensure that the wood’s characteristics will match the required functionality and physical specifications of the woodworking project.

Physical Properties of Ipe

HARDNESS

Ipe wood is 300% harder than Teak wood – thus its alias “Ironwood”.) In terms of pounds per square inch (“psi”), Ipe can handle 3,180 psi versus Hickory at 1,820 psi, Teak at 1,000 psi, Yellow Pine at 740 psi, Mahogany at 630 psi, Redwood at 420 psi, and Red Cedar at 350 psi.

COLOR

Ipe ranges in color from mainly a chocolate brown to brown with deep reds and black streaks, and sometimes even milky white swirls. The grain is tight and mesmerizing, with elegant patterns found throughout the hardwood.

DENSITY

Ipe wood is more dense and durable than Teak, Oak, or Mahogany. The amazing durability offered with Ipe can be attributed to its incredible density.

Brazilian Ipe wood weighs in at 69 lbs per cubic foot versus Oak at 43 lbs per cubic foot, Teak at 40 lbs per cubic foot, Yellow Pine at 35 lbs per cubic foot, Mahogany at 31 lbs per cubic foot, Redwood at 26 lbs per cubic foot, and Red Cedar at 23 lbs per cubic foot.

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Durable Beautiful Brazilian Ipe

What is Ipe” (pronounced “ee’ – pay”)

Physical Properties of Ipe