Ipe

Scientific Name: Tabebuia spp.

Other Names and Species: Amapa, Cortez, Guayacan Polvillo, Flor Amarillo, Greenhart, Lapacho Negro, Madera Negra, Tahuari

Origin: Brazil and throughout continental tropical America as well as in parts of the Lesser Antilles.

Appearance: The heartwood of ipe ranges from olive brown to blackish, though it can have lighter or darker striping that is sharply demarcated from the whitish or yellowish sapwood. Ipe is a low-luster wood with an oily appearance, a fine-to-medium texture, and a grain that ranges from straight to very irregular.

Properties: Along with its extreme hardness, strength, weight, density, and durability, ipe is also one of the most stable woods available. However, it is important to "over-dry" the wood in a kiln to avoid excessive shrinkage when installing.

Workability: Ipe is moderately difficult to work, given its hardness, especially with hand tools, and it has a blunting effect on most cutting edges. Pre-drilling is required when nailing the wood.

Principal Uses: Ipe is ideal for wood flooring where durability and high shock resistance are needed, such as in industrial environments. It is also used in railroad crossties, heavy construction, tool handles, and decorative veneers.