Ipe (Walnut Brazilian) Appearance Color: Can vary from light yellowish tan with green overtones to almost blackish brown; exhibits a large range of coloration when freshly milled; darkens over time to medium to dark brown. Grain: Fine to medium, straight to very irregular. Variations Within Species And Grades: Properties Hardness/Janka: 3680; 185% harder than Northern Red Oak Dimensional Stability: Average (8.0; 7% more stable than red oak). Durability: Workability Sawing/Machining: Difficult, especially with hand tools Sanding: Difficult. This wood is identified as dense and oily. Scratches are easily seen – each sanding must carefully remove the scratches from the previous cut, or sanding marks will be visible in the finish. Nailing: Standard nailing involves using 2-inch cleats or staples driven at a 50-degree angle using a pneumatic driver. An optimal method is to predrill with a 7/16 inch countersink bit and hand nail every 8 inches on center and every 16 inches on the joist line Finishing: Test all products before using them on the actual floor. Oil-modified finishes may not dry if standard procedures are followed. Moisture-cure urethane, conversion varnish, or water base finishes are generally more successful. Alternate method is sealin Comments: Has been known to cause contact dermatitis. Availability Readily available. Source: National Wood Flooring Association