Ipe

Technological properties

The speed of drying is very slow. There is a slight risk of deformations arising, and cracks appearing.

Machining is difficult due to its tendency to repel. It is recommended to use tungsten carbide tools.

Sawing requires the use of special, high power equipment. Tools and saws are blunted quickly. It is not recommended for the manufacture of rolled veneers, but is for sliced veneers.

The gluing is delicate and only recommended for interiors. For nailing and screwing, prior drilling is necessary. Lapachol deposits impede the application of paint and varnishes, it being necessary to use primers in this case. A suitable treatment for outdoors is oiling with a sun protection factor.

Origin and availability

It is a tree which reaches 12 metres tall. It has a straight, dark trunk with many branches, and an extended canopy.

Deciduous. It is characteristic for leaves to develop, followed by flowering.

Geographic distribution: Banks and islands of the Uruguay River. Tropical and subtropical South America, Brazil and Argentina, and the north coast of Uruguay. Its forest masses, production and exploitation are substantial and stable.

Description of the wood

The colour of the sapwood is white, and the heartwood is light brown, greyish brown or pale yellow with brown grain. The heartwood colour may also be cream or very light brown, and occasionally has brown grain. The fibre is straight and the grain is coarse or thick.

Natural durability

Classified as very resistant to external factors, fungi, insects, termites, etc.

The heartwood has low penetrability.

Applications and use

Lapacho wood is used in joinery due to its excellent quality and resistance.

Furniture and carpentry. Veneers for decorative coverings. Interior joinery: staircases, mouldings. Struts. Flooring, platforms, industrial flooring. Shipbuilding. Hydraulic works. Posts. Turnery. Carving. Tool handles. Musical instruments. Bottoms of containers or crates.