IPE
- South America
- Hardwood
- Very durable
Ipe (Handroanthus spp., often Handroanthus impetiginosus) is an extremely dense and durable tropical hardwood native to Central and South America. It typically ranges in colour from olive-brown to dark chocolate brown, sometimes with subtle reddish or yellowish tones. The grain is usually interlocked with a fine to medium texture, giving it a smooth finish when worked. Ipe is exceptionally hard, heavy and strong, with outstanding natural resistance to decay, fungi, insects and marine borers. Its density makes it difficult to machine and fasten, often requiring pre-drilling and specialised tools.
In the timber industry, Ipe is highly valued for heavy-duty exterior and structural applications where maximum durability is essential. It is widely used for decking, boardwalks, bridges, piers, outdoor furniture and cladding, particularly in high-traffic or exposed environments. It is also used in marine construction and landscaping projects due to its long service life without chemical treatment. Because of its strength, stability and weather resistance, Ipe is considered one of the premium hardwoods for demanding outdoor architectural uses.
Back to Furniture, cabinet making, bars and worktops
Suitable for:
Agricultural implements
Boat and ship construction, decking, framing, keels, masts, planking, spars and stems
Carpentry, joinery (exterior)
Carpentry, joinery (interior)
Construction, industrial, engineering
Decking, cladding and panelling
Flooring
Furniture, cabinet making, bars and worktops
Marine piling, bridges and construction
Sports goods
Turnery and wood ware
Vehicle components
