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Ipe - ironwood
Ipe (EE-pay), also known by the trade name Pau Lope®
(and generically as ironwood). Originating in South America, Ipe decking - from
S.A.W. Lumber is a unique hardwood decking material that brings the warmth and beauty of
indoor hardwoods to the outdoors. Ipe - ironwood is quite possibly the most useful and
versatile organic building material available. Ipe decks are very resistant to rot,
insects, UV exposure, ice, salt, abrasion, splintering, chemicals and is Class A fire
rated. The superior strength, stability, and durability of Ipe ironwood, achieved naturally,
makes it ideally suited for a wide variety of uses.
Our Ipe decking is Clear All Heart grade S4S-E4E RL 8-18
5/4 x 4, 5/4 x 6, 1 x 4, 1 x 6
Trade or Common Name: Ipe, lapacho, cortez, Pau Lope®,
ironwood
Local Name: Corteza, corteza amarilla
Botanical Name: Tabebuia spp.
Family: Bignoniaceae
Distribution: Central & South America
The Tree: Ipe is a large canopy tree, it grows to a height of 120
feet in the natural rain forest, with trunk diameter up to 3 feet and a clear bole
of 60 feet. Some specimens of ipe ironwood grow to 150 feet with a 6 foot diameter trunk.
 The Wood: Ipe
heartwood is light to dark olive brown, often with attractive lighter or darker
striping and striking contrasts with the lighter color sapwood. It has a fine
texture, medium luster, and a bit of an oily appearance. Ipe is extremely hard (two
to three times harder than oak) and very heavy. It weighs approximately 70 pounds
per cubic foot will sink in water. Ipe ironwood is rated as extremely durable.
 Uses: Ipe is
prized for use in quality furniture and decorative veneers, and due to its strength
and durability, is used for boardwalks, decks, decking, porch floors, tool handles,
turnery, industrial flooring, textile mill items and more.
This South American species is a very stable and durable timber. Ipe dries extremely
well with little checking, twisting, or bow. It is prized for its strength and
natural resistance to decay and it can be used in ground contact without
preservatives or additional treatments.
Extensively used in commercial exterior construction such
as boardwalks, piers, and benches, Ipe ironwood has recently become the number one choice for
residential decks due to its low maintenance, attractive color, and very smooth
surface and the fact that is lasts over 25 years! It is a heavy timber,
approximately 64 lbs. per cubic foot when dry, normally sinks in water, and has a
fire rating of Class A, (the same as concrete or steel).
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