Tropical Hardwood

Ipé

Ipé — also known as Brazilian Walnut — is one of the densest, strongest and most durable tropical hardwood species in the world. Originating from South America, Ipé is renowned for its exceptional hardness, superior resistance to moisture, fungi and insects, and its remarkably long lifespan.
Its natural colour ranges from yellow‑brown to dark olive‑brown, often with subtle darker streaks. Over time, Ipé develops an elegant silver‑grey patina when exposed to sunlight.

Thanks to its unique combination of dimensional stability, abrasion resistance and structural strength, Ipé is considered a top‑tier material for demanding exterior applications such as decking, walkways, bridges, façade cladding and high‑traffic structural elements.

Although Ipé is challenging to machine due to its extreme density, it delivers a premium surface finish and unmatched long‑term performance. It is globally recognised as one of the highest‑performing timber species for long‑lasting construction.

Delivery subject to stock availability.
Free pick up in our warehouse at Zottegem.
Shipping within Europe possible.

Qualities
Ipé is extremely hard, heavy and wear‑resistant. It has a fine to medium texture with generally straight grain, though interlocked sections do occur. Its naturally occurring extractives make the wood highly resistant to biological degradation.
Key Characteristics
- Very high density: approx. 1,050 kg/m³ at 12% MC
  (confirmed value: 1,050 kg/m³)
- Colour: yellow‑brown to olive‑brown, sometimes with darker streaks
- Extreme hardness: Janka ≈ 3,490 lbf
  → one of the hardest woods globally
- Durability class 1: extremely durable, excellent resistance to decay & insects
- Exceptional stability: minimal movement with moisture changes
- Contains silica: can dull tools quickly
- Finishing quality: excellent, but pre‑drilling is required
Ipé is internationally recognised as one of the best species available for decking, boardwalks and exterior cladding.
Applications
Exterior Applications
- Terraces & premium decking (Top‑3 globally)
- Bridge decks, walkways & passerelles
- Acoustic barriers & outdoor furniture
- Pergolas, railings & exterior stair systems
- Façade cladding & rain‑screen siding
- Heavy structural work, urban furniture & commercial exterior projects
Interior Applications
- High‑wear parquet & flooring
- Stair components
- Premium joinery and bespoke interior pieces
- Decorative panels & high‑end architectural elements
Technical specifications
Durability Class
- Use class 4
- Heartwood: class 1 (very durable)
  Exceptional resistance to fungi, decay and insects
Workability
- Difficult due to extreme density; slow machining
- Tear‑out possible in interlocked grain areas
- Pre‑drilling strongly recommended
- Smooth, premium finish with correct tooling
Colour
- Yellow‑brown to dark olive‑brown with occasional streaking
Density
- ± 1,050 kg/m³ at 12% moisture content
Mechanical Properties
- Modulus of Elasticity (MOE): ~21.30–22.76 GPa
  (validated range: 3,089,000 psi ≈ 21.3 GPa)
- Radial shrinkage: 5.5%
- Tangential shrinkage: 7.1%
Dimensional Stability
- Very stable — minimal movement under variable humidity
Biological Durability
- Class 1 — extremely durable
- Highly resistant to insects, termites and decay