Astounding Properties and Uses of Ipe Veneer

An Introduction to Ipe Veneer

Ipe veneer is a unique and remarkable material that comes from the Brazilian rainforests. Ipe, which is sometimes referred to as Brazilian walnut, is an incredibly dense and durable hardwood that has some astonishing qualities unlike any other wood on the planet.

In the world of fine woodworking and furniture making, veneers play an important role in crafting beautiful objects. Veneers are thin slices of wood that allow makers to achieve stunning visual effects while conserving resources. Ipe veneer delivers the immense benefits of this mighty wood in a form that can be easily worked by woodworkers and incorporated into their designs.

What is Ipe?

Ipe (pronounced "ee-pay"), also known as Brazilian walnut, is a tropical hardwood tree species native to Central and South America. The wood is sometimes referred to as ironwood, a name that gives a sense of its formidable density and strength.

Ipe grows in the lush rainforests of the Amazon basin, with Brazil home to the majority of ipe timber resources. Other countries where ipe trees grow include Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, and Peru.

Ipe belongs to the genus Tabebuia and family Bignoniaceae. There are around 20 species in the Tabebuia genus, some of which also produce lumber, but Tabebuia serratifolia is the true ipe tree and produces the hardest, most durable ipe timber.

Properties of Ipe Wood

Ipe possesses a number of astounding qualities that make it one of the toughest, most resilient woods on the planet:

• Extreme hardness - Ipe is 3.5 times harder than oak according to the Janka scale of wood hardness.
• Incredible density - Ipe will sink in water, unlike other woods that float.
• Amazing durability - Ipe can last over 100 years even when exposed to the elements.
• Splinter resistant - The tight grain and density make it very splinter resistant.
• Scratch resistant - With tight interlocking grain, it resists scratching and marring.
• Fire resistant - Ipe has the same fire rating as steel and concrete.
• Rot and insect resistant - Due to natural oils, it resists rot, decay, and damage from insects.

Beyond these properties, ipe also has an attractive visual appearance, with a fine grain that ranges from straight to irregular and interlocked. When freshly cut it is a pale yellow color, darkening over time to a rich reddish brown. Capable of being polished to a bright sheen, ipe is beautiful as well as strong.

Uses of Ipe

With its incredible properties, ipe is uniquely suited to a number of demanding applications both indoors and out:

• Decking - Ipe is by far the best wood species for decking, able to withstand sun, rain, snow and foot traffic for decades.
• Outdoor furniture - Unphased by moisture and insects, ipe excels for outdoor tables, chairs, benches and more.
• Siding and trim - With no need to paint or stain, ipe as siding or trim will endure for generations.
• Pergolas and gazebos - Ipe can handle being in the open air in all seasons, ideal for structures like pergolas.
• Pool areas - Barefoot splinters won't be a concern with ipe around swimming pools.
• Saunas - The wood's heat resistance allows it to perform even in the elevated temperatures of saunas.
• Flooring - Its hardness makes ipe suitable for flooring that has to stand up to heavy traffic.
• Countertops - Kitchen counters and bars benefit from the scratch, moisture and rot resistance.
• Furniture - Fine indoor furniture gains tremendous durability and a beautiful finish.

This is just a sampling of the many excellent applications for ipe, enabling it to be used in virtually any context where extraordinary performance is required.

Ipe Veneer Explained

While ipe lumber delivers the full strength and resilience of this incredible wood, it is also available as a veneer. Ipe veneer provides many of the same benefits of this advanced material in forms that can decorate projects with beautiful, durable wood surfaces.

What is a Veneer?

A veneer is a thin sheet of wood that is sliced off a log. While solid wood is cut into thick lumber, veneers are cut tangentially to the growth rings on the log to produce thin sheets, usually around 1/16th to 1/32nd of an inch thick. The slices are cut continuously off the log as it rotates against the blade, creating a long ribbon of wood that is then applied as the surface layer over substrates like plywood or MDF.

Veneers create several advantages:

• Conservation of rare/expensive wood species. Only the surface needs the expensive wood.
• Consistency of color and grain. Adjacent veneer sheets come from the same log.
• Ease of application to substrates like plywood. Veneer sheets are thin and flexible.
• Ability to create geometric and decorative patterns. Veneers can be pieced together.

Woodworkers have long recognized the artistry and utility of using veneers. They allow for beautifully patterned surfaces with less wood, and make use of cuts from logs that would otherwise go to waste.

Attributes of Ipe Veneer

Ipe veneer brings the performance and aesthetics of ipe lumber into the flexibility of thin veneer sheets. Key attributes include:

• Hardness - The Brinell hardness of ipe veneer is still far higher than other woods.
• Durability - Lasting for decades, ipe veneer resists scratching, rot, and insects.
• Stability - The dense grain makes ipe veneer sheets very stable with minimal movement.
• Fire resistance - Having the same fire rating as steel, ipe veneer is very flame resistant.
• Color and grain - Reddish brown color with a fine, attractive grain.
• Polishable - Can be worked to a smooth, lustrous finish.

These traits make ipe veneer a high performance material that is still versatile for creating beautiful wood surfaces and objects. The pieces also display the striking color variations within ipe, from chocolate browns to reddish oranges.

Working with Ipe Veneer

While very thin, ipe veneer can still be somewhat challenging to work with and requires sharp tooling. However, with care it can be cut, glued, and finished. Key tips include:

• Use carbide-tipped tools for clean cuts.
• Cut pieces slightly oversized to allow final trimming.
• Glue with moisture-resistant adhesives like epoxy or resorcinol.
• Apply veneer to stable plywood, MDF or wood substrates.
• Sand lightly with fine 120+ grit paper for a smooth finish.
• Use polyurethane for a durable low-sheen protective topcoat.

Working with veneers is a skill woodworkers can develop. Starting with small projects helps build experience handling and finishing these thin wood sheets before tackling large surface areas. The artistry possible combining sheets on surfaces makes this a rewarding skill to learn.

Obtaining Ipe Veneer

Finding quality ipe veneer requires searching out specialty exotic hardwood suppliers. While somewhat limited in availability, sources include:

• Specialty lumber yards - Some regular lumber yards carry smaller veneer selections.
• Exotic wood dealers - The best selection but often mail order only.
• Woodworking stores - May carry more common veneer species.
• Online shopping - Large veneer selections available from online specialty stores.

Ask suppliers about veneer grade, thickness, and sheet sizes to find the right product for your needs. Be sure to request ipe specifically, using the terms Brazilian walnut or lapacho if needed. Prices may be somewhat higher than domestic veneers but deliver the unmatched properties of this exotic species.

Incorporating Ipe Veneer into Woodworking Projects

The uses for ipe veneer are extensive, whether applying it to conventional plywood substrates or getting creative with woodworking projects. Some ideas for utilizing ipe veneer include:

Plywood Edging

Iron-on veneer edge banding gives plywood edges a smooth, finished look. Ipe edge banding will be extremely durable compared to typical plastic or wood options.

Tabletops

For tabletops that need to stand up to daily use, an ipe veneer surface over plywood provides a beautiful look plus scratch and moisture resistance.

Cabinet Doors

Cabinet doors covered in ipe veneer offer a rich appearance and avoid the dings and scratches inherent around cabinets in high traffic areas of homes.

Wood Marquetry

The intricate inlaid wood patterns of marquetry can incorporate ipe veneer for accents and borders that will last a lifetime with no deterioration.

Wood Wall Panels

Acoustic wood wall panels can gain further sound damping and interesting visuals from the varied grain and colors of ipe veneer sheets.

Guitar Headstocks

Luthiers can veneer electric guitar headstocks with ipe as a super durable and attractive alternative to maple, rosewood or ebony.

These are just some of the possibilities for creatively applying ipe veneer to bring its rugged beauty to valuable objects and surfaces. The veneer form opens many new ways to make use of this advanced rainforest hardwood.

The Future of Sustainable Ipe Forestry

Ipe may possess near-mythical properties, but it comes from a vulnerable tropical ecosystem. Conscientious sourcing of ipe is crucial for the future of the rainforests and this unusual wood.

Careful regulation of ipe forestry and the development of robust sustainable practices is vital. Responsible harvesting rotates cutting to allow forests to regenerate, and preserves a rich biodiversity that benefits local communities. Managed forestry also allows continuous future supply at reasonable cost.

Specifying certified or reclaimed ipe products encourages proper stewardship. Using veneers further maximizes yield from precious timber resources. With care for the fragile rainforest environment, we can continue to benefit from and be awed by ipe for generations to come.

FAQs

How durable and long-lasting is ipe veneer?

Ipe veneer shares the same hardness and natural resistance to rot, insects, and weathering as ipe lumber. Properly installed ipe veneer can last for many decades, even over 100 years in ideal conditions. The dense grain and oil content make it very stable and durable.

What are the best uses for ipe veneer?

Ipe veneer excels for surfaces needing scratch, moisture, and wear resistance. Great uses are furniture, cabinetry, flooring, musical instruments, wall panels, and trim. Outdoor uses like decking and siding also benefit from ipe's weather resistance.

What's the best way to finish and protect ipe veneer?

Oil finishes help maintain the natural color of ipe veneer while allowing the grain to show through. Polyurethane or epoxy provide extra abrasion and moisture protection. Outdoor projects may need additional sealers. Proper finishing protects ipe's beauty for the long term.

Is ipe veneer eco-friendly and sustainable?

Ipe comes from tropical rainforests vulnerable to over-logging, but well-managed forestry preserves ipe populations while benefitting communities. Opting for certified or reclaimed ipe encourages sustainability. Using veneers also minimizes waste.

Where is the best place to buy quality ipe veneer?

Online exotic wood dealers specializing in veneers offer the best selection and expertise. Local hardwood suppliers may also carry ipe veneer. Be sure to specify grades, thicknesses, and sheet sizes desired when ordering this special product.