Distribution: Central & South America

The Tree:  Ipe is a large canopy tree, growing to a height of 120 feet in the rain forest.

The Wood: Ipe is very hard (two to three times as hard as oak), very strong and very heavy, and will sink in water making this the heaviest wood we feature. Ipe is rated extremely durable and is so dense that water penetration is low. It is also extremely resistant to algae, which helps prevent it becoming slippery. The wood is naturally a very rich colour which fades with time to an attractive light silver. An annual application of timber oil will preserve the original colour. Ipe is prized for quality furniture and decorative veneers, and its legendry strength, durability, and resistance to rot and splitting makes it our first choice in hardwood decking.