What is ipe wood? Meet this sustainable outdoor furniture material

Also known as Brazilian Walnut or Ironwood, Ipe wood is a dense wood sourced from Central and South America from Ipe trees. Beloved for its strength, beauty, and eco-friendly characteristics, this hardwood is a popular choice for outdoor furniture. Ipe wood is incredibly dense, making it naturally resistant to rot, decay, insects, and harsh weather conditions. Unlike other decking materials that require chemical treatments to enhance their lifespan, Ipe wood remains durable on its own.

In addition to its natural longevity, Ipe wood is also loved for its timeless beauty. Like teak, Ipe wood develops a distinguished silver patina as it ages. Whether used for a sleek contemporary deck or a rustic outdoor pergola, Ipe wood lends an air of elegance and sophistication to any space, elevating the aesthetic appeal of residential and commercial properties alike.

When it comes to the sustainability of Ipe wood, responsible harvesting practices are key. Trusted brands like Jensen Outdoor adhere to certification standards such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which verifies that the wood comes from forests being responsibly managed to preserve biological diversity, benefit local people and workers, and ensure economic viability.

Jensen Outdoor was among the first outdoor furniture manufacturers to receive FSC® Certification. Through a land-lease partnership with the Bolivian government, Jensen Outdoor manages over 2 million acres of dry-tropical forests in Eastern Bolivia.

Jensen Outdoor’s Ipe wood is not only incredibly durable, but Ipe hardwood trees grow slowly, taking nearly a century to reach the dimensions necessary to produce the finest, most durable, timbers on the market today.

Jensen Outdoor exclusively partners with award-winning furniture designers specializing in outdoor wood furniture with a wide array of aesthetic inclinations. Each piece of furniture has been laboratory-tested to the demanding specifications of commercial applications. Commercial specifications far exceed the standards for common residential use.

For more information on choosing outdoor furniture made with sustainable materials, read our Sustainable Outdoor Furniture Guide.