SPOTLIGHT ON: IPÉ
PHOTOS COURTESY OF COASTAL FOREST PRODUCTS
SPOTLIGHT ON: IPÉ
SPECIES: Handroanthus spp.
ORIGIN: Central and South America; also farmed commercially.
COMMON APPLICATIONS: Outdoor applications, including decking, doors, windows, boat docks, boardwalks and furniture, as well as fine furniture, flooring, turnings, and decorative veneers.
CHARACTERISTICS / APPEARANCE: Heartwood is typically olive-brown, with variations in color from a reddish-brown to a dark blackish brown. Sapwood is yellowish-white and easily distinguished. Grain varies from straight to irregular and sometimes interlocked. Ipé is a difficult wood to work with high cutting resistance during sawing and machining. It planes smoothly with tear out in interlocked areas. Ipé can be difficult to glue properly. Surface preparation prior to gluing is recommended. The same qualities making this wood challenging are also what make it so desired – it’s extremely hard and dense with high durability and shock resistance.
JANKA HARDNESS SCALE: 3,510 lbf
COMMENTS: Ipé is a wood of extremes – extremely dense and durable but as a result is difficult to work. Its incredible hardness and strength make it well suited to exterior decking and siding applications. If left unfinished, graying of the wood will occur, but it can last over 20 years outside without preservatives or additional treatments.
Seaside boardwalks have been the gathering places for families, communities, and vacationers for generations. From the iconic Coney Island and Atlantic City boardwalks to the smaller structures dotting the coastline, boardwalks are the perfect place for beachside dining, taking a stroll, or simply watching the sunset.
Wood has long been the preferred choice for constructing boardwalks. The strength, durability, and versatility of wood, combined with its natural beauty make these structures a place that draws people of all ages and walks of life.
As public spaces, boardwalks are required to be safe and accessible while providing long-term value to municipalities and communities. They tolerate constant wear and direct exposure to weather with little to no maintenance.
Ipé was first used in the 1960s to replace and repair New York City boardwalks. Prior to that, treated Southern Yellow Pine was used, with a typical lifespan of 8 to 10 years before replacement was needed. Ipe has a proven lifespan of up to four times longer than that, with a replacement timeline of 35 or more years. Ipe also adds an additional safety factor with Class A fire resistance.
Other materials have been tested as possible substitutes for this naturally durable hardwood and most attempts fall short. Composites and various forms of wood with chemical or thermal treatments may have their benefits but do not deliver the same durability, sustainability, and long-term cost effectiveness.
Today, Ipé has become a standard for the historic boardwalks dotting the United States shoreline and delivers the look and feel of a timeless vacation that takes people back to their youth, again and again.
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Frequently asked questions
When did New York City first use Ipé for its boardwalks, and what material did it replace?+
Ipé was first used in the 1960s to replace and repair New York City boardwalks. Before that, treated Southern Yellow Pine was used, which typically lasted only 8 to 10 years before needing replacement.
How does Ipé's lifespan compare to treated Southern Yellow Pine for boardwalk construction?+
Ipé has a proven lifespan up to four times longer than treated Southern Yellow Pine, with a replacement timeline of 35 or more years compared to 8 to 10 years for the pine.
What safety advantage does Ipé offer for public boardwalk applications?+
In addition to its durability, Ipé provides an added safety factor with Class A fire resistance, making it well-suited for high-traffic public spaces like boardwalks.
Why have composite and treated wood substitutes failed to replace Ipé in boardwalk construction?+
While composites and chemically or thermally treated woods have been tested as substitutes, they do not deliver the same durability, sustainability, and long-term cost effectiveness as Ipé.
What happens to Ipé's appearance if it is left unfinished outdoors?+
If left unfinished, Ipé will gray over time. However, it can still last over 20 years outside without preservatives or additional treatments.
Why is Ipé considered a 'wood of extremes' for exterior applications?+
Ipé is extremely dense and durable with high hardness, shock resistance, and a Janka rating of 3,510 lbf, making it ideal for exterior decking and siding. However, those same qualities also make it difficult to saw, machine, and glue.