Ipe

Specs

Common Names

Brazilian Walnut, Lapacho, Pau D’Arco, Ipe Tabaco, Yellow Poui, Bethabara, Pau Lope, Ironwood

Scientific Name

Tabebuia serratifolia

Origin

South America (Brazil)

Appearance

Ipe heartwood is olive-brown with lighter or darker streaks. Grain is straight to irregular with a low to medium luster. The pores appear as fine yellow dots and contain yellowish lapachol powder which turns deep red in alkaline solutions. Texture is fine and appears oily. Fine ripple marks may be present. Ipe has a fine-medium texture, with the grain varying from straight to irregular or interlocked with a moderate natural luster.

Avg. Dried Weight

68 lbs/ft3 (1,085 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

3680 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

25,660 lbf/in2 (177.0 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

3,200,000 lbf/in2 (22.07 GPa)

Crushing Strength

13,600 lbf/in2 (93.8 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 5.9%, Tangential: 7.2%, Volumetric: 12.4%, T/R Ratio: 1.2

Durability

Rated as very durable; excellent insect resistance, though some species are susceptible to marine borers. Superb weathering characteristics.

Workability

Difficult to work, especially in sawing. Severe blunting effect on cutters. Reduced cutting angle required for planning or molding. Pre-drilling required for nailing. Holds screws well. Stains and polishes well. Machine dust is an irritant.