IPE LUMBER 4X8

IPE LUMBER 4X8 EXTRA INFORMATION

Ipe Lumber 4X8 (pronounced ee-pay) is one of the densest hardwoods available for outdoor construction.  Ipe Lumber 4X8 is very dense (in fact, it sinks in water), has the same fire rating as concrete and steel, and is mildew and decay-resistant.  

Its denseness and natural oils make it virtually impenetrable to insects (so insect deterioration is not an issue). Ipe does not scratch or splinter easily, does not become hot in the sun, and has a high friction coefficient, making it perfect for outdoor and seaside construction.

Species: Handroanthus spp

Other Names: Brazilian Walnut, Lapacho, Iron Wood, Amapa, Cortez, Guayacan polvillo, Flor Amarillo, Greenheart, Madera negra, Tahuari, Lapacho negro, Pau D ́arco, Canaguate, Polvillo, Hakia, Tahuari Negro, Groenhart, Acapro Puy, Yellow poui.

Ipe Origin: Central and South America (Brazil, Peru, Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia, Costa Rica, Guyana, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Venezuela).

Appearance: The color of Ipe is similar to a walnut, with dark tones that have olive brown to reddish undertones. If left untreated, it will gradually turn into a beautiful natural silver patina.

Tree Size: 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall, 2-4 ft (.6-1.2 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 69 lbs/ft3 (1,100 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .91, 1.10

Janka Hardness: 3,510 lbf (15,620 N)

Modulus of Rupture: 25,660 lbf/in2 (177.0 MPa)

Elastic Modulus: 3,200,000 lbf/in2 (22.07 GPa)

Crushing Strength: 13,600 lbf/in2 (93.8 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 5.9%, Tangential: 7.2%, Volumetric: 12.4%, T/R Ratio: 1.2

Drying: Ipe can be air-dried or kiln-dried. Air-dried Ipe has a moisture content of around 18%, whereas kiln-dried Ipe has a moisture content of about 10-13%. Either air-dried or kiln-dried Ipe resists heat, rain, wind, and temperature swings.

Workability:  Due to its high density and strength, Ipe can be difficult to work with if one does not pre-drill it. This tropical hardwood should be screwed together and not glued or nailed.

Maintenance: Ipe does not scratch or splinter easily, which means that it will maintain the structure’s integrity for over 25 years. However, to preserve the original color of Ipe, it will have to be oiled at least once per year, depending on the climate and sun exposure. If Ipe is not sanded or oiled, it will turn gray, often referred to as a silver patina.

Preservation: Ipe Lumber 4X8 does not require special treatment as it will last for over 40 years without maintenance. However, the hardwood naturally weathers to a beautiful silver-gray patina. A deck oil with UV inhibitors or sealers is an excellent option to maintain this rich tone.

Sustainable: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) does not list Ipe in its appendices.

The Forest Legality Initiative states that Ipe can be exported and traded internationally.

The International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN) does not list Ipe as an endangered species.

Brazilian Lumber, LLC meets high standards for social, economic, and environmental responsibility. We monitor and document the chain of custody of all our hardwoods. We are Lacy Act compliant, IBAMA certified, and provide -certified options. This means that purchasing from us fuels the hardwood lumber economy in South American forests while providing well-paying jobs for many people. In turn, the industry values its conservation and preservation.

ADVANTAGES OF USING IPE LUMBER 4X8 FOR YOUR OUTDOOR PROJECTS?

• Strong and Durable
• Low Maintenance
• Natural Look
• Long Life Span
• Sustainably Sourced
• Boosts your Property Value