hardwood · Handroanthus serratifolius
Ipe wood properties
Also known as: lapacho, brazilian walnut.
| Type | hardwood |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Handroanthus serratifolius |
| Modulus of elasticity (MOE) | 3,089,000 psi |
| Specific gravity | 1.05 |
| Density (approx) | 66 lb/ft³ (5.5 lb per board foot) |
| Janka hardness | 3,490 lbf |
| Shrinkage (tangential / radial) | 7.1% / 5.5% |
| Region | Tropical Central and South America |
A 1 in x 6 in x 8 ft board of Ipe weighs about 21.8 lb (roughly 66 lb per cubic foot). Its Janka hardness of 3,490 lbf is harder than about 98% of the woods in our database.
Uses and working notes
Common uses: decking, flooring, exterior lumber, tool handles, turned objects, veneer.
Durability: Shrugs off rot and insects and weathers outstandingly, though marine borers can attack it.
Workability: So hard and dense, cutting is slow and edges dull quickly; bonds badly and tears at interlocked grain.
Use this data
Similar woods
Woods with comparable hardness and density to Ipe:
How these numbers were sourced
MOE, SG (12% MC), Janka and shrinkage from The Wood Database (cites USDA FPL Wood Handbook). Ipe is not listed in the FPL/Hoadley dimensional change coefficient table, so CT/CR are omitted. Uses, region, durability and workability summarized from The Wood Database. Price indicative.
Values shown as estimates rather than sourced constants: typicalPricePerBF_usd.
Sources
These calculators are for planning and estimation. Engineering results (shelf sag, wood movement) use published average material properties; real boards vary by grade, grain, moisture and defects. Verify load-bearing designs with a professional.