Native to the American tropics and subtropics and referred to as “Brazilian Walnut”, Ipe trees can reach 40 metres tall, with a 1.2 metres trunk diameter. The wood is one of the hardest in the world and is renowned for its superior characteristics, durability and exceptional properties.

The heartwood offers a variety of colours ranging from rich brown with red and amber shades to yellowish-olive brown and varies significantly from board to board. Ipe wood decking grain is very dense and tight with well-defined cathedral arches and contrasting grain patterns throughout. The smooth hardwood looks like mahogany and can last more than 50 years without needing replacement. In certain species, there are powdery yellow deposits within the wood. It has a fine to medium texture, with the grain varying from straight to irregular or interlocked and moderate natural lustre.