Latin Name: Handroanthus spp.

Family: Bignoniaceae - the Bignonia or Trumpet Creepe

Other Common Name(s): Amapa Priesta, Amapa, Bastard Lignum Vitae, Bethabara, Brazilian Walnut, Canaguate, Cortes, Cortez, Ebano Verde, Ebene Vert, Ipe, Flor Amarillo, Groenhart, Guayacan, Guayacan Plovillo, Hakia, Ironwood, Lapacho, Lapacho Negro, Madera Negra, Pau D'Arco, Pau Lope, Paulope, Polvillo, Surinam Greenheart, Tabebuia, Tahuari, Tahua

Imported Hardwood

Suitable for Exterior/Interior Use
Interior and Exterior

Uses
Decking, Exterior Trim, Flooring, Millwork, Mouldings, Turnings

Distribution
The species that make up this group grow throughout much of Central and South America. These trees do not seem to have a preferential growing area, and is found in both wet and dry areas.

General Description: The sapwood is yellowish-white and easily distinguished from the heartwood, which ranges from reddish brown to a more yellowish olive brown, but may have lighter and/or darker streaks. Ipe has a fine to medium texture, and the grain can be straight, uneven, or interlocked.

Price Range ($ least expensive, $$$$$ most expensive):
$$$$$

Working Properties
Machining: Fair
Nailing: Fair
Gluing: Fair
Screwing: Good
Finishing: Poor

Physical Properties
Weight (lbs/BF): 5.2
Specific Gravity: 0.90-0.97
Modulus of Rupture (psi): 22,450-26,000
Modulus of Elasticity (1,000 psi): 2,900-3,120
Side Hardness (lbs): 3680

Additional Information
There is typically a yellow residue on the wood called Lapachol, which can cause skin irritations in some people. This species is very dense and durable. Its hardness and strength make it ideal for flooring or decking. Ipe’s excellent rot and insect resistance make it a premium decking wood for outside applications. Though Ipe is referred to as “Brazilian Walnut,” it is not actually related to Walnut trees. Carbide tooling is required when milling this material, and pre-boring holes for screwing and nailing is a must. Considered a difficult wood to work with, it has high resistance to cutting and a blunting effect on cutting edges. Surface preparation is recommended prior to gluing.

Item Availability
4/4 FAS Rough Dimension
4/4 FAS Nominal Dimension
4/4 Decking
5/4 FAS Rough Dimension
5/4 FAS Nominal Dimension
5/4 Decking
8/4 FAS Rough Dimension
8/4 FAS Nominal Dimension