What do IPE trees look like?
Ipe (Handroanthus spp.) Color/Appearance: Heartwood can vary in color from reddish brown, to a more yellowish olive brown or darker blackish brown; sometimes with contrasting darker brown/black stripes. In certain species, there are powdery yellow deposits within the wood.
What kind of tree does Ipe come from?
Tabebuia TreeIpe comes from the Tabebuia Tree, which is native to the American tropics and subtropics from Mexico and the Caribbean to Argentina. The wood is sourced from a very large geographic area.
How big do IPE trees get?
The term ipê refers to seven different tree species within the genus Tabebuia, each found in the tropical forests of Central and South America. These massive trees can reach heights of 150 feet, and are supported by a surprisingly narrow trunk.
Where do IPE trees grow?
Ipe, also called Brazilian Walnut or Lapacho, is a dense and resilient wood that comes from the forests of Central and South America. Like other tropical woods, Ipe bears some unique characteristics.
How long does it take an Ipe tree to grow?
And they reach maturity at a slow rate. In a study evaluating Tabebuia ipe logging in the Amazonia, the time needed to replace a population to commercial size is approximately 100 years.
How toxic is ipe wood?
It just so happens that Silica and chemicals embedded in Ipe are extremely toxic. And now Silica and the other chemicals in the tropical hardwood are becoming known to cause health problems. When you breathe the dust from sawing, it can cause immediate sickness.
How long do IPE trees live?
To extend its life, ipe wood requires some TLC. With oil treatment, its lifespan can be up to 75 years.
Is Ipe the same as Ironwood?
Ipe (also known as Ironwood and Brazilian Walnut) is our best-selling product. This is not a surprise because it has many outstanding characteristics. In fact, it is such a durable wood that it's suited for a wide variety of projects, in addition to decks.
How much does ipe wood cost?
Ipe Deck Board Prices. On average, an ipe board ranges between $4 and $12 per linear foot, or $3.50 to $7.50 per square foot. Most stores charge for finished boards by the linear foot and untreated lumber by the square foot. Linear foot tends to be more cost-effective and requires less preparation work.
What does ipe wood smell like?
The wood is sweet smelling with traces of cinnamon and nutmeg. Ipe hardwood is long lasting (the processed wood can bare outdoor conditions for more than 25 years), it is weather, mold resistant and the surface is able to resist scratches very well.
Is Ipe endangered?
Now don't panic: Ipe is not endangered, nor is it illegal to import. Ipe is still coming into North America, and it will still be available for your decking projects this season.
Is Ipe better than cedar?
Cedar has a good resistance against rot and decay but will require regular maintenance. Ipe wood has an excellent resistance against weather elements, rots, and decay. In case you noticed, most of the backyard decks and the boardwalks are made from this hardwood material.
Is ipe wood a walnut?
The Ipe Brazilian Walnut has a natural durability and a profound beauty. It is a very dense, tropical hardwood highly resistant to rot and insects while carrying a Class A fire rating reserved for concrete and steel.
What family of wood is IPE?
Ipe wood (also known around the world as a Brazilian walnut) is a very strong , beautiful and gracefully-aging wood from South America that is part of a Handroanthus genus of flowering plants in the family of Bignoniaceae.
How long do IPE trees live?
To extend its life, ipe wood requires some TLC. With oil treatment, its lifespan can be up to 75 years.
How do you grow IPE trees?
Ipe trees grow best in full sun but will tolerate a partial shade. They can tolerate a variety of soils, including clay, sand, and loam, as long as they are well drained. The plant is highly drought tolerant and moderately tolerant of salt. Propagation is primarily by seed or air layering.
What is an IPE tree?
The ipe tree is actually any of several species of flowering trees within the Tabebuia genus. They are emergent trees, usually rising above the forest canopy in their natural environment.
How big do ipe trees get?
Ipe trees have no major pests or diseases. While usually a medium sized tree, ipe can grow to over 100 feet in height and can spread almost as wide. Ipe trees grow best in full sun but will tolerate a partial shade.
Why are ipe trees at risk?
Concerns. Because ipe trees are relatively slow growing and tend to be sparse within the forest population, they are at risk for significant deforestation. Illegal logging continues to threaten all species of ipe tree.
Why are ipe trees used as specimen trees?
The ipe tree is sometimes used as a specimen tree in landscape plantings for its fragrant and spectacular display of flowers.
What type of flowers do ipe trees have?
Depending upon the species, ipe trees have white, yellow, pink, or red flowers . The flowers are trumpet-shaped and between one and three inches long.
How many leaflets are in an ipe tree?
They are compound was five to seven leaflets that are oval in shape of the pointed tip. The leaflets are green with a silvery appearance. The bark of the trees is brown and rough in texture. The fruit forms in pods that can reach 12 inches long. They are dry, hard and brown, containing multiple seeds. The ipe tree is actually any of several species ...
Where is the IPE tree grown?
The ipe tree is actually any of several species of flowering trees within the Tabebuia genus. Also known as the trumpet tree, pau d'arco or bethabara, Ipe is sometimes grown as an ornamental in southern California and southern Florida for its prolific blossoms. A recent increase in demand for the tree as lumber has raised concern about the welfare of ipe tree populations in Brazil.
How big are ipe trees?
Also known as trumpet trees, ipes can reach more than 100 feet high and up to 50 feet wide (at the top, with branches and leaves ), and are supported by narrow trunks that are 2 to 4 feet in diameter. Tabebuias can be deciduous, evergreen, and semievergreen, and some drop their leaves before producing spectacular clusters of flowers in colors that include white, golden yellow, lavender, bright pink, and red.
What is ipe wood?
The terms ipe lumber or ipe wood are often clustered with other tropical hardwoods that share similar characteristics, especially for outdoor furniture. These woods include teak and shorea. Quite simply, Brazilian ipe looks good just about anywhere outdoors.
How long does ipe wood last outdoors?
Other attributes of ipe wood include: It can last more than 25 years outdoors. One of the densest hardwoods, it sinks in water.
What is the boardwalk on Coney Island made of?
Some of the wood along Coney Island's boardwalk in New York was made of ipe, which is a testament to its longevity. Residents protested in 2015 when part of the boardwalk was set to be replaced by recycled plastic lumber and concrete. The famed boardwalk opened in 1923 and was reconstructed in the 1940s.
Where is the pink trumpet tree?
Also known as pink ipê, pink lapacho, or pink trumpet tree, this species is a native Bignoniaceae tree and can be found in Mexico, Argentina, Bolivia, Trinidad, and Tobago. Lapacho is the national tree of Paraguay.
Is ipe harder than nails?
For one thing, it's as hard—or harder —than nails (it's been known to bend nails). Ipe is so dense that it often needs to be pre-drilled before pieces are connected. Some compare its strength to that of steel.
How tall is a pink trumpet tree?
Neighborhood Nursery has an extremely high demand for Tabebuia impetiginosa trees. Two representative trees are shown here. One is 12ft tall and the other 10ft tall, both in 24inch boxes. Tabebuia typically do not have a spreading head, since they grow slightly more upright.
What is the pink trumpet tree called?
The Tabebuia impetiginosa (Tabebuia ipe)- Pink Trumpet Tree and sometimes called the Lavender Trumpet Tree, is gaining in popularity every year.
Is Tabebuia ipe evergreen?
Because the root system is not aggressive, the Tabebuia ipe or Pink Trumpet tree makes a nice patio tree, growing well in confined areas. In our temperate climate, February flowers are showy when not much else is blooming. The tree is semi evergreen. Often the tree drops its leaves only as the flowers come out.
Can a nursery tree grow upright?
The majority of our clients are looking for trees that grow upright. If a nursery tree looks “flat topped” it may be a tree that never will grow upright, but it a great candidate for a slower growing tree that can be used in a corner of a small garden or patio.
Can you prune a Tabebuia tree every year?
Unlike the summer blooming Jacarandas, the Tabebuia flowers are not sticky and messy. If you prune the tree every other year or as needed, you can easily keep it as a moderate sized tree. This tree is so popular around the world, you may have also heard it called the Pink Lapacho and the Pau d’Arco. Tabebuia ipe- Pink Trumpet Tree.
What are the natural attributes of an ipe tree?
Ipe has natural attributes to defeat many of the plagues that deck owners fear most: insects, rots, fire, and the effects of inclement weather. However ipe trees, native to South America, are rare in their natural environments (as few as seven trees will grow per acre of forest).
How long does ipe wood last?
If you’re considering ipe wood for a deck (or for siding, or for a fence), you probably already know that the smooth hardwood resembles mahogany and can last more than 50 years without needing replacement. Ipe has natural attributes to defeat many of the plagues that deck owners fear most: insects, rots, fire, and the effects of inclement weather.
How much does an IPE cost?
Ipe is notably more expensive then redwood and cedar. On average, ipe costs $3.50 to $5 per square foot “and the cost of labor will increase the total price to around $20 per square foot,” according to Improvenet. 3. Ipe is more durable than other woods.
What are some alternatives to IPE?
There are plenty of alternatives to ipe wood. Using reclaimed wood is a smart start. Several wood types are good alternatives. One excellent and sustainable option is reclaimed cumaru, also known as Brazilian teak; it looks similar to Ipe with a rich, warm color and costs less.
What does it mean when IPE is FSC certified?
When ipe trees are responsibly grown in managed forests, the harvested wood gets a stamp of approval from the Forest Stewardship Council (which is what it means when you see the label “FSC-certified wood”).
Can IPE dust cause headaches?
Although severe reactions are uncommon, Ipe can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation, as well as headaches, or asthma-like symptoms. If you work with this wood, please wearing protective clothing, gloves, and a proper mask.
Is IPE wood a fire hazard?
Ipe is extremely dense less susceptible than other woods to burning, with a fire rating that is the same as steel and concrete. But the density can make it difficult for contractors if they are trying to saw and nail it. The solution is to pre-drill holes and use steel screws. Plus, the hardwood chews up blades.
What is an ipe tree?
Tabebuia ipe is usually just called "Ipe" (rhymes with "hippie") and grows at a slow to moderate pace to 20 to 25 feet. It's moderately cold tolerant, doing best in Zone 10 and warmer areas of Zone 9B. The ipe tree has a smooth gray trunk and produces lavish pinkish-purple blooms in early spring.
When do Ipe trees bloom?
The ipe tree has a smooth gray trunk and produces lavish pinkish-purple blooms in early spring.
How big do silver trumpet trees grow?
Tabebuia caraiba - 'Silver Trumpet Tree'. These highly ornamental trees grow between 20 and 30 feet and make great single specimen trees for medium-sized yards as well as pretty accents in larger properties. Not overly large, a tabebuia planted near a deck or patio can create welcome summertime shade for these outdoor areas.
What is the color of the Tabebuia tree?
Tabebuia spp. The showy tabebuia tree announces springtime in South Florida, with varieties that flower in pink, lavender-pink, and golden yellow.
What zone is a sage tree in?
This tree is cold hardy, fine in Zone 9B, with brown bark and clusters of bright yellow-gold flowers in spring.
Can tabebuia trees be planted on a deck?
Not overly large, a tabebuia planted near a deck or patio can create welcome summertime shade for these outdoor areas. Each tabebuia tree has its own special qualities, differing in flower color, growth speed, bark, cold tolerance, and leaf color.
Can tabebuias be drought tolerant?
Tabebuias can be somewhat drought-tolerant once established, but they do best with a regular irrigation schedule allowing time between waterings for the soil to dry out a bit.
What is an ipe tool?
The solution is a tool called, the Bowrench. Made by Cepco tool company, most suppliers of Ipe are happy to sell you this tool for around $60-70. Many contractors that use Ipe, own Bowrenches. This tool grabs the joist and uses leverage to straighten the boards so they can be fastened easily. It’s also very effective with T&G applications. Be sure to purchase the extension if your deck is framed with double joists.
What to expect from IPE decking?
Some customers are unsure what to expect from Ipe, in terms of color . Manufactured decking boards, like plastics and composites, are not only consistent, they are EXACTLY the same. Real, Natural Wood, like Ipe, provides a variety of different colors, from light olive browns, to darker chocolate browns. This color variation is exactly what makes Ipe very desirable. It makes the deck look natural and gives it abundant character. Customers should also expect to find cathedral arches, interlocked grain patterns, and intermittent black striping. All of these features give Ipe it’s characteristic beauty. Here are some tips regarding color expectations,
Where is IPE harvested?
Most legally and responsibly harvested Ipe is sourced from the regions Para and Mato Grasso, Brazil.
Can Ipe go grey?
In fact, many customers prefer to let their Ipe go grey. The best part is, you can always bring them back to their original brown colors. The general rule of thumb to maintain Ipe’s beautiful brown colors is an annual application of a UV Oil, with Messmer’s UV Plus, and periodic cleaning depending on conditions.
Which is more expensive, Trex or IPE?
The High-End composites, like Enhance Natural by Trex, are significantly more expensive than Ipe.
Can you cut through an IPE?
Special blades are not required to cut through Ipe. Standard chop saw blades work just fine on Ipe. However, it is highly recommended to use blades with carbide tips. In our experience, the number of teeth or the configuration of teeth, do not matter.
Is IPE hard?
Ipe Is Too Hard. Ipe is, undoubtedly, one of the hardest woods in the world. There are harder species of wood, but not many. A Janka Hardness scale is used to measure and compare materials based on their hardness. Most reliable sources place Ipe in the top 10 of hardest woods. Of the top 10, Ipe is one of only three or four ...
Where do Ipe and Cumaru grow?
Ipe and Cumaru grow across a very large geographic region. You will find different climates and soil chemistry from one side of Brazil to the other that will affect the color of the board.
Why do trees have curves?
Faster or slower growth periods will spread the rings apart (less dense) or group them closer together (more dense), and often both will occur in the same tree as the climate varies from year to year. Figured grain caused by any number of factors will add curves in the grain, exposing end grain on the face to give us wonderful curly and quilted effects. In these figured situations, just shifting your perspective from one side of the board to another will change the look completely.
What would happen if trees were straight grained?
In a perfect world, trees would be perfectly straight grained and all the fibers would be parallel. Of course, then we would have lumber that looks like plastic, so I’m glad this isn’t a perfect world. The reality is that you will find all kinds of density variations as the grain flows over and around knots or shifts to stabilize the tree against wind or gravity.
Why is the end grain darker than the face?
End grain is always darker than the faces. The color right around this knot is darker due to higher density. Notice the tight growth rings on the right and how this board has more yellow and green in it than the less denser board on the left.
Is teak wood poured or extruded?
It isn’t poured or extruded or dyed or infused or crackle painted (at least I hope not). Every piece you get is different. Sure, it has a general appearance from one species to the next, and I can look at a board and tell you it is Cherry, Teak, Utile or Ipe.
