Ipe wood is harder and stronger than Tigerwood. Ipe is a popular choice for exterior applications such as decking, while Tigerwood is often used for interior applications such as furniture and flooring.
Ipe is also more resistant to rot and insects, making it a good choice for projects exposed to extreme weather and moisture. Both woods have excellent properties, so choosing between them can be difficult. In this article, we will compare Tigerwood and Ipe wood to help you choose the right one for your project.
What Is Tigerwood?
Tigerwood is a highly durable and weather-resistant hardwood commonly found from Mexico southward to Brazil. Tigerwood is also known as Goncalo Alves and Jobillo. It is often used for flooring, cabinetry, and furniture because of its strength, attractive appearance, and resistance to decay.
What Is Ipe Wood?
Ipe wood is a durable, stable, and naturally rot-resistant hardwood from the Handroanthus genus. It is native to Central and South America. Ipe is also known as Brazilian Walnut and Lapacho.
Ipe is a popular choice for exterior applications and furniture because of its natural resistance to weather, decay, and wear. It is well known for its rich brown color and exceptional hardness.
Difference Between Tigerwood and Ipe Wood
| # | Tigerwood | Ipe Wood |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific name | Astronium spp. | Handroanthus spp. |
| Tree size | 100–130 ft (30–40 m) tall | 100–150 ft (30–46 m) tall |
| Janka hardness | 2,170 lbf (9,640 N) | 3,510 lbf (15,620 N) |
| Weight | 57 lbs/ft³ (905 kg/m³) | 69 lbs/ft³ (1,100 kg/m³) |
| Crushing strength | 10,770 lbf/in² (74.2 MPa) | 13,600 lbf/in² (93.8 MPa) |
| Workability | Moderately difficult to work with | Difficult to work with |
Durability of Tigerwood and Ipe Wood
Tigerwood is a highly durable hardwood that can be used for both interior and exterior applications. Its natural resistance to decay makes it suitable for flooring, furniture, and outdoor projects.
Ipe wood is also exceptionally durable and is widely used for decking and other outdoor applications. With proper installation and maintenance, Ipe decking can have a very long service life.
The actual lifespan of either wood depends on factors such as installation, climate, moisture exposure, maintenance, and whether the wood is kept above ground.
Uses
Tigerwood is widely used for flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and decorative woodworking. Its attractive grain and distinctive color make it particularly popular for projects where appearance is important.
Ipe wood is commonly used for outdoor decking, docks, siding, benches, and other exterior applications because of its natural resistance to rot, decay, and insects. Its exceptional durability makes it particularly suitable for demanding outdoor environments.
Appearance
Tigerwood is usually reddish-brown with distinctive dark brown to black streaks. These contrasting streaks create the tiger-like appearance for which the wood is named. Its color can become darker with age and exposure to sunlight.
Ipe wood ranges from light olive-brown to dark chocolate brown, sometimes with subtle darker streaks. Its color can change over time when exposed to sunlight and weather.
Both species generally have an interlocked or irregular grain and a relatively fine texture.
Rot Resistance
Tigerwood and Ipe are both naturally resistant to decay, making them suitable for many outdoor applications.
Their natural durability is related to the chemical extractives present in the heartwood. However, natural resistance does not mean that either wood is completely immune to decay.
Proper drainage, installation, ventilation, and maintenance are still important for maximizing the service life of outdoor wood.
Because of their density and natural extractives, both species can also be challenging to finish. Proper surface preparation and a finish compatible with the specific wood are recommended.
Which Is Denser: Tigerwood or Ipe?
Ipe is denser and heavier than Tigerwood.
Ipe has a Janka hardness of approximately 3,510 lbf, while Tigerwood has a Janka hardness of approximately 2,170 lbf (9,640 N).
Because Ipe is significantly harder and denser, it generally provides greater resistance to dents and wear.
Working Properties of Tigerwood and Ipe Wood
Ipe is more difficult to work with than Tigerwood. However, neither wood is particularly easy to work with because both are dense hardwoods.
Their irregular or interlocked grain can make machining more challenging, and their hardness can quickly dull cutting tools.
When working with either species, use sharp, carbide-tipped tools when appropriate and follow proper woodworking safety practices.
Pre-drilling is recommended when installing screws or fasteners, particularly with Ipe, to reduce the risk of splitting and make installation easier.
Availability and Sustainability of Tigerwood and Ipe Wood
Tigerwood and Ipe are available as lumber and decking products in many markets, but availability can vary depending on location, supplier, species, grade, and demand.
When purchasing tropical hardwood, it is important to consider the source of the lumber and choose suppliers that can provide information about responsible harvesting and legal sourcing.
Certification and chain-of-custody information can also help buyers make more informed decisions about the origin of tropical hardwood.
Cost Differences Between Tigerwood and Ipe
Tigerwood and Ipe are both premium hardwoods used for demanding projects. Ipe is generally more expensive than Tigerwood, although prices vary significantly depending on location, lumber grade, dimensions, availability, and market conditions.
Instead of relying on a fixed price per square foot, compare current prices from local suppliers before starting a project.
Which Is Better for Furniture: Tigerwood vs. Ipe?
It is difficult to say which wood is better for furniture because both Tigerwood and Ipe can produce durable and attractive pieces.
The better choice depends on the type of furniture, appearance, budget, and how the furniture will be used.
Tigerwood
- Tigerwood has a distinctive striped appearance that can add character and warmth to furniture.
- It is easier to work with than Ipe, although it is still a hard and dense wood.
- It can be less expensive than Ipe.
- Its appearance makes it particularly attractive for decorative furniture.
Ipe
- Ipe has a rich brown color that can range from olive-brown to dark brown.
- Its exceptional hardness provides excellent resistance to wear and dents.
- Its natural decay resistance makes it particularly suitable for outdoor furniture.
- Its high density makes furniture heavier than furniture made from many other wood species.
For decorative indoor furniture, Tigerwood may be the more practical choice. For heavy-duty outdoor furniture, Ipe may have an advantage because of its exceptional durability.
Which Is Better for Flooring: Tigerwood vs. Ipe Wood?
Ipe is harder than Tigerwood, making it more resistant to dents and wear. This can make Ipe an excellent choice for high-traffic flooring.
However, Tigerwood can also be a good flooring material when its distinctive appearance and lower hardness are acceptable.
If the main priority is maximum hardness and wear resistance, Ipe has the advantage. If appearance and easier workability are more important, Tigerwood may be preferable.
Which Is Better for Decking: Tigerwood vs. Ipe Wood?
Ipe is generally the better choice when maximum durability and wear resistance are the main priorities.
Ipe is exceptionally dense and naturally resistant to decay, insects, and weathering, making it a popular premium decking material.
Tigerwood is also a durable option for decking and can provide a more distinctive appearance because of its contrasting grain and color.
The final choice should consider:
- Budget
- Expected foot traffic
- Climate
- Desired appearance
- Maintenance
- Local availability
- Installation requirements
Tigerwood vs. Ipe: Which One Should You Choose?
Both Tigerwood and Ipe are excellent hardwoods, but they have different strengths.
Choose Tigerwood if you want:
- A distinctive striped appearance
- A slightly lighter and less dense hardwood
- Good durability
- Easier workability than Ipe
- A potentially lower cost
Choose Ipe if you want:
- Exceptional hardness
- Maximum resistance to wear
- Excellent natural decay resistance
- A premium outdoor decking material
- High durability in demanding outdoor applications
Overall, Ipe is the better choice when hardness, durability, and outdoor performance are the main priorities, while Tigerwood can be a better option when appearance, workability, and cost are more important.
Conclusion
Tigerwood and Ipe are both durable tropical hardwoods with excellent properties, but they are best suited to somewhat different applications.
Ipe is harder, denser, and generally more resistant to wear, making it particularly well suited to decking and demanding outdoor applications. Tigerwood is slightly less dense and easier to work with, while its distinctive striped appearance makes it attractive for flooring, furniture, cabinetry, and decorative projects.
The right choice ultimately depends on your project’s requirements, including durability, appearance, budget, workability, and exposure to weather and moisture.