Acoustic Fencing in Ipe Hardwood with EPDM Membrane

Acoustic fencing does one job a normal garden fence does badly: it stops sound slipping through. Sound gets past a fence through gaps, through thin and light boards, and over the top. Our Ipe slatted fence with a black EPDM membrane behind the slats deals with the first two. Height, the third factor, is down to how tall you are allowed to build.

Why Ipe works as an acoustic fence

Mass matters for noise. Ipe weighs around 1,050 kg per m³ at 12% moisture, roughly twice as much as softwood such as Douglas fir (around 540 kg per m³). A heavy, dense board reflects more sound than a light one. Ipe is also durability class 1 and lasts 25+ years, even without maintenance, so the fence keeps its shape and its gaps stay closed.

The EPDM membrane: closing the gaps

A slatted fence has a 5 mm gap between the slats. That looks good, but sound travels through it. The EPDM membrane fits behind the slats and seals the whole face of the fence. It is 0.5 mm thick, matt black and sold per m². From the front you see a thin dark line in each gap, which gives the fence depth. You also get full privacy: nobody can see through it.

Single sided or double sided

The build of the fence makes the biggest difference.

Prefer square bars to flat slats? Our Ipe batten fencing in 40 x 40 mm takes the same membrane and gives a deeper, three dimensional face.

What we do not promise

We do not quote a decibel figure. How much quieter your garden gets depends on the source of the noise, the distance to it and above all the height of the fence. Sound that goes over the top is not stopped by any fence, however well it is built. Check how high a fence can be before you plan, and put the fence as close to the source of the noise as you can.

How the fence is built

The slats are 2.1 cm thick and 5, 7 or 9 cm wide. They are fitted horizontally with hidden clips that slide into a groove along the long edge, so there are no visible screws. The ends have a tongue and groove joint and click together in length. Everything is fixed to 6 x 6 cm Azobé posts, which the slats cover completely. The membrane goes on the posts first, the slats follow. See slatted fence fixings for the details.

Price and advice

Work out the length and height you need in the modern fence calculator, or read our guide to fence costs for prices per metre. Not sure which build suits your garden? Call us on +49 2821 7483051 or send us a photo. Want to feel the timber first? Order a free sample. The full range is on our fences page.

Frequently asked questions

Does an acoustic fence really reduce noise?

Yes, when it is heavy and has no gaps. Dense Ipe slats reflect sound and the EPDM membrane seals the gaps between them. Noise that travels over the top is not stopped, so height matters as much as the build.

How many decibels does the fence block?

We do not give a figure. It depends on the source, the distance and the height of the fence. A double sided build with the membrane in the middle gives the best result.

Can I see through a fence with EPDM membrane?

No. The membrane covers the whole back of the slats, so the fence is fully sightproof.

How long does an Ipe acoustic fence last?

Ipe is durability class 1 and lasts 25+ years, even without maintenance. The 6 x 6 cm Azobé posts are just as durable. Oil the slats if you want to keep the brown colour.