Where does ipe wood come from

Ipe, also called Brazilian Walnut or Lapacho, is a dense and resilient wood that comes from the forests of Central and South America. Like other tropical woods, Ipe bears some unique characteristics.

What tree does Ipe wood come from?

Ipe comes from the Tabebuia Tree, which is native to the American tropics and subtropics from Mexico and the Caribbean to Argentina. The wood is sourced from a very large geographic area.

Where is Ipe grown?

Ipe hardwood is found in Southern Brazil, Argentina and Paraguay. The Amazon region is the world’s biggest supplier of Ipe hardwood, where the tree has been systematically exploited for lumber, causing large scale deforestation and destruction of the environment.

Why is Ipe wood so expensive?

Given Ipe’s popularity, it’s not surprising to learn that the wood is often illegally harvested (as is other rainforest timber.) And because ipe can command high prices, Brazilian loggers and local officials often harvest more Ipe than is legal.

Does Ipe wood come from the rainforest?

Ipe trees grow in Central and South American tropical forests – some of the world’s biodiversity hotspots. The Amazon rainforest alone hosts over three million species, including over 2,500 tree species.

What is the hardest wood in the world?

1. Australian Buloke – 5,060 IBF. An ironwood tree that is native to Australia, this wood comes from a species of tree occurring across most of Eastern and Southern Australia. Known as the hardest wood in the world, this particular type has a Janka hardness of 5,060 lbf.

Do termites eat Ipe?

Not because Ipe decking isn’t delicious, but because this material is extremely dense. Ipe is so impervious that insects, including termites, don’t stand a chance. Since they don’t have the ability to actually digest wood, termites usually choose to enjoy softer species, or decomposing wood.

What does Ipe stand for?

AcronymDefinitionIPEInterconnect(ion) Performance EstimationIPEInstitute of Public and Environmental Affairs (Beijing, China; also seen as IPEA)IPEIndividual Protection EquipmentIPEInternational Petroleum Exchange

Is Ipe or Trex more expensive?

For instance, Trex can get hotter to the touch than ipe, so it might not be the best choice for a pool surround. On the other hand, Trex can be a little less expensive upfront than ipe and it is available in colors not found in natural woods.

Does Ipe need to be sealed?

Does Ipe need to be sealed? Ipe does not need any “sealer” in fact the wood is dense, that it doesn’t really take sealer anyways. The products used on Ipe are not really sealers as much as UV protectants. It is the sunlight that turns Ipe grey, and using these products can help protect against that.

Article first time published on

What species is IPE?

Ipe (pronounced E’-pay) is an amazing wood species. Ipe is also known as Lapacho, Bethabara, Tabebuia spp, Ironwood, Pau Lope and other trade names. Ipe is one of the hardest species of wood on earth. There are over 30 subspecies of Ipe that grow from Central America through South America.

Is IPE bad for the environment?

As a decking material, neither option provides an environmentally safe solution. Alternatively, Ipe and other Brazilian Hardwoods are 100% natural. They do not contain plastics, chemicals, or pollute the environment. They can be repurposed after their use as decking or siding and they are 100% biodegradable.

Is IPE a fast growing tree?

Because ipe trees are relatively slow growing and tend to be sparse within the forest population, they are at risk for significant deforestation.

Is Ipe wood dust toxic?

It just so happens that Silica and chemicals embedded in Ipe are extremely toxic. And now Silica and the other chemicals in the tropical hardwood are becoming known to cause health problems. When you breathe the dust from sawing, it can cause immediate sickness. … Also, Ipe splinters cause immediate infection.

Is Ipe an endangered species?

Now don’t panic: Ipe is not endangered, nor is it illegal to import. Ipe is still coming into North America, and it will still be available for your decking projects this season. But for the first time in many years, we are seeing a flaw in the armor of the world’s most popular tropical decking.

Does Ipe wood crack?

Ipe Decking dries and contracts, leaving tiny cracks in the face or at the ends of the boards. These tiny cracks are known as checks. Face checking is a very normal and is very difficult to see. It does not affect the durability, longevity or water-resistant benefits.

Is IPE slippery when wet?

Ipe wood has natural slip resistance. Ipe is the only hardwood species that meets the ADA requirements for slip resistance in a wet environment, naturally. Without any additives. This is especially important in an area that constantly gets wet, like an Ipe dock, float, marina or pier. Who wants to slip or fall?

Is IPE better than composite?

Ipe offers natural beauty, durability, longevity, reusability, and sustainability. Additionally, Ipe wood is biodegradable, more fire-resistant, stronger, harder, and costs less than premium brand name composite materials.

Is ipe wood good for decking?

Ipe (pronounced EE-pay) is the finest quality wood decking material available. … Ipe is an exotic hardwood that is naturally resistant to rot and decay, is 8 times harder than California Redwood, and is guaranteed for 20 years without preservatives!

Why is Rosewood banned?

CITES lifts restrictions on Rosewood guitar sales. CITES are a governing environmental body that look after endangered wild fauna and flora. In 2017 they restricted the sales of Rosewood across international borders to crack down on illegally made furniture, which also affected guitarists.

What is the rarest wood in the world?

Agar Wood. Agarwood is famous for the tea, oil, and perfume that it produces. It’s hefty price tag is thanks to its incredibly high demand and extreme rarity – it’s one of the rarest trees in the world.

What does IBF stand for in wood?

A wood’s hardness is determined by the amount of force needed to drive a . 444 inch diameter steel ball to a depth of half the ball’s diameter. The amount of force this takes, measured in pounds-force (ibf), becomes that species hardness rating. The higher the rating, the harder the floor.

Is black locust good for decking?

Unlike the tropical hardwoods, Black Locust Lumber decking provides a much higher slip resistance than that of the more oily Ipe and other tropical hardwoods. This makes Black Locust decking an ideal choice around pools and docks which will assist in decreasing slip and fall hazards in those areas.

Is Ipe decking worth the cost?

Among hardwoods, ipe is considered the most prestigious and valued wood. It stands out for its strength, durability, and density. These properties make it rot resistant, mildew resistant, scratch resistant, and the density is the reason it has a class-A fire rating.

How much is Ipe A board foot?

Ipe Deck Board Prices. On average, an Ipe board ranges between $4 and $8 per linear foot, or $3.50 to $5per square foot. Most stores charge finished boards by linear foot, and untreated lumber by square foot.

What is IPE technology?

Information provided by the entity (IPE) is any information that is produced by the company and provided as audit evidence, whether it be for your controls testing or substantive procedures performed by external audit.

What is IPE siding?

Ipe Siding is one of the most durable siding materials that can you can buy. … Ipe is a great alternative to other siding options because most other siding materials are man-made materials that are not natural products. Ipe is a 100% natural product that contains absolutely no chemicals or preservatives.

What is IPE steel?

An IPE beam is a structural steel section with a characteristic ‘I’ or ‘H’ shape. Sections like this are described as open profiles as they comprise parallel surface flanges connected by a central element known as a web, unlike solid or hollow rectangular sections.

Can you leave ipe wood untreated?

Ipe is over 3 times harder than Teak and if you leave Ipe untreated it will turn a beautiful silver grey. When Ipe turns grey it still shows the beautiful wood grain and maintains all of its durability and will still last up to 75 years or more.

Can you power wash IPE?

You can leave your new Ipé decking with its original natural colour. … If you decide to bring back the natural finish colour, you simply need to pressure wash your deck. We recommend the Saicos Wood Brightener (follow product instructions), followed by a light sanding to smooth the surface – and it’s done!

Does IPE get hot?

Ipe Lumber Does Not Get Hot Under Feet + Is Durable Environmentally friendly and sustainable, the surface of this rough wood is naturally resistant to the elements, mold, mildew, and insect damage.