what is ipe wood

Ipe wood is a type of hardwood that comes from Central and South America. It is also known as Brazilian walnut and is prized for its beautiful brown and amber tones, as well as its impressive density which lends to its durability. Ipe wood is one of the hardest, strongest, and most naturally resistant to rot, abrasion, weather, and insects. It is one of the longest-lasting woods, with a lifespan of well over 75 years in some cases. Ipe wood is commonly used for flooring, decking, exterior lumber, veneer, tool handles, and other turned objects. However, it can be difficult to work with due to its hardness and density, and it can be difficult to glue properly. While Ipe wood is not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it grows in very low densities, with mature trees only occurring once per 300,000 to 1,000,000 square feet of forest area, which necessitates the clearing of large sections of rainforest trees.