Toppers
What is Ipé wood?
Ipé wood: the king of sustainable hardwoods
Ipé wood, also known as Brazilian walnut or Lapacho, is a tropical hardwood that is loved worldwide for its exceptional durability and beauty. Scientifically known as Handroanthus spp., Ipé grows in the rainforests of Central and South America and offers unparalleled performance for various applications.
For lovers of hardwood garden benches, Ipé provides a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.
Features and properties
Ipé stands out due to its impressive properties:
- Density: With a dry weight of 1,100 kg/m³, Ipé is one of the heaviest commercial hardwoods.
- Hardness: A Janka hardness of 15,620 N makes it extremely wear-resistant.
- Durability: Resistant to rot, insects, and extreme weather conditions.
- Color: Ranging from reddish-brown to olive or black-brown, often with striking stripes.
These properties make Ipé ideal for outdoor furniture and garden design.
Applications of Ipé wood
Thanks to its versatility, Ipé is used in:
- Decking: Perfect for garden furniture and outdoor spaces.
- Garden furniture: Ideal for durable wooden garden chairs and tables.
- Cladding: Gives buildings a luxurious appearance.
- Flooring: Suitable for heavy use both indoors and outdoors.
- Bridges and docks: Resistant to moisture and heavy loads.
Processing and maintenance
Ipé wood requires careful handling, but the results are worth it:
- Use sharp tools and be prepared for rapid wear.
- Pre-drilling is necessary when fastening.
- The natural oils make gluing difficult; use high-quality adhesives.
- Regular oiling maintains the rich color and texture.
Our accessories collection offers tools to work optimally with Ipé.
Sustainability and environmental impact
Ipé is a valuable resource, but it requires responsible management:
- Grows in low densities, making careful logging essential.
- Certified Ipé wood is available but limited.
- The long lifespan of Ipé partially offsets its environmental impact.
Our hardwood products collection offers alternatives for environmentally conscious choices.
Conclusion: The unparalleled allure of Ipé
Ipé remains a top choice for high-quality wood applications. Whether it's for a deck, sustainable garden furniture, or wear-resistant flooring, Ipé delivers performance that lasts for generations.
Discover our collections:
Create outdoor spaces that are timeless and sustainable with Ipé wood.