The Species:

Flooring Trade Name: Brazilian Walnut

Botanical Name: Tabebuia, spp

Lumber Name: Ipe

Grows In: Brazil, Bolivia, Peru, Venezuela, Guatemala

Products / Walnut, Brazilian

Description:

Brazilian Walnut is very hard dense wood with a deep rich brown coloration and exceedingly fine graining.

Color Range & Color Change:

Color Range: Brazilian Walnut color range varies considerably based on where it grows. It can vary from a light yellowish tan color with greenish overtones to an almost blackish brown. We offer Brazilian Walnut in the medium brown tones.

Color Change: Brazilian Walnut when freshly milled will exhibit a large range of coloration, which will quickly mute into a more uniform range which then will darken over time to a medium to dark brown color.

Hardness:

Brazilian Walnut is 290% as hard as red oak (3680 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red oak).

Where to Use:

Brazilian Walnut may be used residentially or commercially. With its extreme hardness it is an ideal commercial floor choice.

Stability:

Brazilian Walnut is one of the world's most stable woods down to a 10% equilibrium point and then becomes very unstable below that. When installed in dry areas it will shrink considerably unless it has been "over dried" in the kilning process. Extreme care should be taken when installing this specie to purchase it only from sources who dry it properly and then to properly equalize it prior to installation.

Allergic Reaction Potential:

Brazilian Walnut has been known to cause respiratory and contact dermatitis allergic reactions. Care should be taken when exposed to the dust of Brazilian Walnut.

Known Finish Issues:

Oil finishes may react adversely/not dry when used on Brazilian Walnut. Also stains may change color when used on Brazilian Walnut. ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility.