Ipe (pronounced “ee-pay”) — Discover the unique properties that make Iron Woods Ipe an easy choice for any project. Iron Woods brand Ipe naturally resists wear, rot, splintering, termites, fire, chemicals, marine borers and virtually every other threat imaginable. And it does it beautifully. Iron Woods brand Ipe is the benchmark in residential and commercial wood products.

This wood species is one of the most stable of all the durable timbers. It dries extremely well with little checking, twisting, or bow. It is widely recognized for its strength and natural resistance to decay. It can be used in ground contact without preservatives or additional treatments. The timber has been tested by the US Navy in a Panama Canal study from 1962 showing Ipe to be one of the top performers in resistance to decay, termites, and borers. Of those tested, it was one of the very few that is readily commercially available. Widely used in commercial exterior construction such as boardwalks, piers and benches, it has recently become the best choice for residential decks due to its low maintenance, attractive color, and extremely smooth surface that has stood the test of time.

Appearance: Heartwood can vary in color from reddish brown, to a more yellowish olive brown or darker blackish brown; sometimes with contrasting darker brown/black stripes. In certain species, there are powdery yellow deposits within the wood. Ipe can be difficult to distinguish visually from Cumaru, another dense South American timber, though Ipe tends to be darker, and lacks the subtle yet characteristic vanilla/cinnamon scent while being worked.

Working Properties: Ipe can be difficult to work with, without the proper tooling. It can have a blunting effect on cutting edges, so pre-drilling for screws is recommended. Carbide-tipped saw blades should be used, making it much easier to cut. Ipe comes in long lengths, but planks do not bend well. It sands very smoothly with little or no splintering.

Ipe lumber has become a very popular and inexpensive alternative to teak lumber.