Ipe wood: what is it and what are its characteristics?
When investing in high-end outdoor furniture, people often wonder: What exactly is ipe wood? It’s not as commonly known as teak or treated pine, but its deep color, remarkable solidity, and upscale appeal capture attention. So, what’s the truth about this exotic wood species? Is it merely a passing trend from Brazil, or a durable, elegant solution for outdoor furniture?
Instead of just scratching the surface, let’s take a comprehensive look at ipe’s characteristics, its true advantages, its limitations, and how it can be used for your patio and in your garden. Our teak and ipe outdoor furniture experts are here to tell you everything you need to know!
What is ipe wood?
Ipe wood is an exotic wood species sourced from South America, mainly Brazil, Bolivia and Paraguay. It comes from trees of the Handroanthus genus, formerly known as Tabebuia. Very dense, this wood is commonly called “ironwood” because it is exceptionally hard.
Naturally olive-brown to dark brown in color, ipe features a fine to medium grain, minimal knots, and a homogeneous appearance. In addition to its beautiful color, ipe is also classified in use class 5, which means it can be used outdoors, even in direct contact with soil or water, without prior treatment. Ipe decking and furniture can easily withstand the most demanding climatic conditions.
General characteristics of ipe wood
Ipe offers a rare combination of density, uniform appearance and natural performance. Discover ipe’s essential characteristics:
Appearance
Ipe immediately stands out for its uniform, elegant visual appearance. Its natural color varies from plank to plank, ranging from olive brown to chocolate brown with occasional dark red or golden hues. This chromatic variety adds depth and warmth to furniture and structures while maintaining a highly valued consistency.
Grain
The wood’s grain is fine to medium, typically straight, though some pieces may exhibit a slight intertwining of fibers. This structure gives it a soft, uniform feel, which is highly valued for both decking and furniture surfaces. Its regular grain, without pronounced curves, also makes finishing easier.
Density
With an average density of 1,050 kg/m³ in its anhydrous state (completely dry), ipe is an exceptionally dense wood, ranking among the hardest used for outdoor carpentry. To illustrate, this density significantly surpasses that of oak (around 700 kg/m³) and teak (650-700 kg/m³). This remarkable density directly contributes to the wood’s stability and mechanical strength. However, it also makes ipe a heavy material, requiring careful handling and appropriate tools.
Texture
The planed or sanded surface of ipe has a fine, smooth, non-porous texture. This high cell density limits moisture penetration, slows moisture exchange, and contributes to the wood’s overall stability. The absence of open pores also helps prevent dirt accumulation.
Odor
When freshly cut or dry-processed, ipe wood can emit a subtle, spicy odor, typical of many tropical woods. This scent quickly dissipates with use and is not a nuisance in outdoor applications.
Origin and certification
Ipe is an exotic wood sourced from tropical forests, primarily imported from Brazil, Paraguay, and Bolivia. Given the pressure on South American forest resources, we strongly recommend choosing wood that is FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified or an equivalent. This guarantees responsible forest management, batch traceability, and sustainable harvesting practices.
Technical characteristics of ipe wood
Technically speaking, ipe is a hardwood with high mechanical and biological performance.
- Janka hardness: 3,600 lbf, about three times that of white oak. This hardness gives ipe excellent resistance to impact, wear and scratches.
- Modulus of rupture (MOR): over 25,000 psi – guaranteeing good bending strength.
- Dimensional stability: Ipe has a very low shrinkage rate, which significantly limits the risk of warping or cracking due to changes in humidity or temperature.
- Natural durability class: Class 1 – highly durable against biological agents
- Fire resistance: Class A rating, equivalent to that of non-combustible materials such as concrete or steel.
- Resistance to freeze/thaw cycles: Ipe retains its mechanical properties even after numerous freeze/thaw cycles. It resists cracking and maintains its cohesion, even in mountainous or humid climates.
Advantages of ipe wood
Durability
Ipe boasts an exceptional lifespan, often exceeding 30 to 40 years in outdoor conditions without the need for preservative treatment.
Natural resistance
Ipe is naturally rot-proof. It is resistant to wood-eating insects, termites, wood-rotting fungi, mold and moisture degradation.
Stability
Ipe exhibits minimal deformation. It consistently maintains its shape even after repeated cycles of rain, frost, and intense heat.
Aesthetics
Its warm, deep color, smooth, even texture and tight grain make it a sought-after material for high-end projects.
Low-maintenance
Ipe requires no chemical treatment. Simple cleaning and, if desired, annual saturation are all that’s needed to preserve its original color. Overall, ipe wood is very easy to maintain.
Disadvantages of ipe wood
Cost
Ipe is an expensive wood. For planks, excluding installation, it can cost from 110 $ to 190 $/m² per square meter. This higher price point is attributed to its rarity, exceptional performance, and import costs.
Density
At over 1,000 kg/m³, ipe is a heavy wood. This can complicate handling, installation and transportation.
Difficulty of installation
Its extreme hardness makes it challenging to saw, drill, or screw. Professional-grade tools are required for all work, and systematic pre-drilling is highly recommended.
Environmental issues
The use of ipe sourced from tropical forests raises significant ecological concerns. It is imperative to ensure its provenance and certification (such as FSC or an equivalent standard).
Comparison with other wood species
| Specis | Density | Durability | Care | Aesthetics | Price |
| Ipe | Very high | Exceptional | Low | Dark and noble | High |
| Teak | Medium | Very good | Moderate | Warm and golden | Very high |
| Treated pine | Low | Low | High | Uniform, light | Low |
| Oak | Medium | Low outdoor | High | Rustic | Medium |
Ipe stands out as a wood species offering one of the best combinations of technical performance, natural durability, and a consistent aesthetic, provided its cost aligns with the project budget.
Common uses for ipe wood
Ipe is used in a variety of contexts where strength, durability and visual appeal are required:
- Outdoor furniture: chairs, tables, benches, sunbeds.
- Wood decking: deck boards, gratings, decking.
- Façade cladding: cladding and aesthetic facings.
- Exterior staircases: non-slip steps, stair nosing.
- Pontoons and docks: by the sea or pool, subject to high humidity.
- Pool decks: ipe decks are comfortable to walk on barefoot, even when wet.
Does ipe wood require maintenance?
Ipe wood requires no treatment to remain healthy and resistant. Its high density and natural composition ensure excellent durability, even when permanently exposed to moisture or insects. It won’t rot or warp, and withstands outdoor conditions without degrading.
Only its visual appearance will change with time, in the form of color variations. With exposure to UV rays, ipe progressively takes on a silvery-gray hue. This change is purely aesthetic. To preserve its original color, annual application of a saturator or degreaser is all that’s required. Simply clean the surface with warm water and a soft brush to remove dirt. No chemical treatment is required. Maintenance is therefore minimal, controlled and technically straightforward.
Why is ipe wood suitable for outdoor furniture?
Ipe offers everything you’d expect from outdoor wood: strength, stability and longevity. It is impervious to moisture, insects, temperature variations and the elements. Its density limits impact, wear and deformation. It ages well, even without treatment, and retains its structural properties for decades.
Its brown color, fine grain, and smooth feel contribute to its status as a noble wood, highly prized for high-end furniture. Even in direct sunlight, it remains comfortable without overheating or splintering. For durable, sturdy, and aesthetically pleasing furniture, ipe is a reliable choice, both for private gardens and professional settings.
Trust professionals to provide ipe wood outdoor furniture
Exotic ipe wood is dense, stable and durable, perfectly suited to outdoor use. Its technical properties make it an exceptional material for the manufacture of garden furniture, terraces or architectural elements that will be subject to harsh conditions.
At JML, the furniture we select is designed to last, both mechanically and aesthetically. To discover our outdoor furniture collections made from ipe or teak wood, contact JML today. An advisor will help you with your project.
