Ipe
PHOTO
 ipe wood
DESCRIPTION Ipe heartwood is olive-brown with lighter or darker streaks. Grain is straight to irregular with a low to medium luster. The pores appear as fine yellow dots and contain yellowish lapachol powder which turns deep red in alkaline solutions. Texture is fine and appears oily. Fine ripple marks may be present.
Weight varies between 60lbs to 75 lbs per cu. ft.
Kiln dried Ipe is for interior use.
Kiln dried lumber outside will expand.
Air dried Ipe is for exterior use. 
Air dried lumber inside will shrink.
BOTANICAL NAME Tabebuia Serratifolia
OTHER NAMES Pau D'Arco, Ipe Tabaco, Yellow Poui, Bethabara, Pau Lope ®, Ironwood ®
MECHANICAL PROPERTIES Very high strength in all categories. Resistant to bending. A very strong, tough, resilient wood.
WORKING PROPERTIES Difficult to work, especially in sawing. Severe blunting effect on cutters. Reduced cutting angle required for planning or moulding. Pre-drilling required for nailing. Holds screws well. Stains and polishes well. Machine dust is an irritant.
DURABILITY Very high resistance to all insect and fungal attacks and is very durable. Extremely resistant to preservative treatment.
SEASONING Dries rapidly with slight warping, cupping, twisting and end checking. Slow kiln drying is recommended. Very small movement.
USES Ideal for bridges, naval construction, and dock work, exterior construction, etc. It is also used for turning, factory flooring, tool handles, archery bows, walking sticks, fishing rods, cabinet work, and veneers. It is considered by many to be the best choice for decking material in the world.
COMMENTS Specific gravity is 1.08. The wood does not float.

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