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BRAZILIAN
WALNUT (IPE) Tabebuia, spp. Common Names Lapacho, Bethabara, Amapa (Mexico), Cortez (Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica), Guayacan (Panama), Guayacan polvillo (Colombia), Flor Amarillo (Venezuela), Greenhart (Surinam), Madera negra (Ecuador), Tahuari (Peru), Ipe (Brazil), Lapacho negro (Paraguay, Argentina). History IPE (ee-pay) is the Indian name for the beautiful and majestic Tabebuia tree, whose bark yields the powerful medicinal Pao D'arco. Photosensitivity Brazilian Walnut is not affected by exposure to light Did You Know? This durable South American hardwood is rated by the US Forest Products Lab for a 25 year life. It is naturally resistant to fire, having a NFPA Class A rating and a UBC Class 1 rating (the same as steel and concrete!) Ipe wood naturally resists insects, rot and mildew, and it can be used in ground contact without preservatives or additional treatments. Distribution Brazil, Mexico, Central and South America, and some of the Lesser Antilles Main Uses It is perfect for exterior residential and commercial applications such as boat docks,, piers, decking, boardwalks, outdoor furniture, pool decking, foot bridges, etc. Railroad crossties, heavy construction, tool handles, turnery, industrial flooring, textile mill items, decorative veneers Relative Abundance. Is the rain forest being clear-cut to harvest the IPÊ trees? TinyTIMBERS only purchases IPÊ from Brazilian growers who harvest under the guidelines and techniques of sustainable yield forestry management as set forth by the International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) Using IPÊ wood is an environmentally responsible choice over pressure-treated lumber, which contains a variety of toxins and chemicals, and is not necessarily intended for decking use. General Description Natural durability, superior performance, incredible beauty. Ipe is an extremely dense tropical hardwood with excellent durability and performance characteristics. Brazilian Walnut is a striking exotic species which ranges from olive brown to blackish in color. Its ratings for harness and durability are among the highest of all timber worldwide. Ipe heartwood is olive brown to blackish, often with lighter or darker striping, often covered with a yellow powder; sharply demarcated from the whitish or yellowish sapwood. Availability Reasonable availability with regional limitations.
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click the above images to view Wood is a natural product. Some variation in color and grain pattern will occur between samples, images on this website, photographs and any specific installation. Working Properties Due to its dense grain structure, very dry environments may not be optimum for Brazilian Walnut. Ipe is difficult to work with hand tools, has a blunting effect on cutting edges and is difficult to nail. The Wood is strong, tough and resilient. Naturally durable and weather resistant. Moderately difficult to work especially with hand tools; has a dulling effect on cutting edges, finishes smoothly except where grain is very roey. Premium carbide tipped saw blades and high quality drills are recommended for smooth cuts due to the hardness of Ipe. Pre-drill a pilot hole and countersink when using screws as fasteners.
PDF file on strength & mechanical properties
Physical Properties Texture fine to medium; luster low to medium; grain straight to very irregular; rather oily looking; without distinctive odor Care should be taken when working with Ipe, The fine yellow dust produced in most operations may cause dermatitis in some workers.
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