Ipe batten fencing review: double sided 40 x 40 mm battens

At a glance
  • Solid 40 x 40 mm Ipe battens, horizontal, on both sides
  • Azobe posts of 60 x 60 mm, fully hidden behind the battens
  • Black EPDM membrane in between: private and quieter
  • £1,016.98 per metre at 1.80 m high, £1,128.08 at 2.04 m (price on 28 October 2026)

Our verdict point by point

PointOur verdict
DurabilityStrong. Ipe is durability class 1 and the Azobe posts are suitable for ground contact. We count on 25+ years.
AppearanceDeep lines of light and shadow, the same on both sides. No posts on show.
InstallationEverything comes in one kit: posts, battens, screws and membrane. There are a lot of battens per metre though, on two sides.
MaintenanceBasically maintenance free. We do recommend fence oil.
Price per metre£1,016.98 (1.80 m high) or £1,128.08 (2.04 m high), normally £1,294.73 and £1,427.19.
DeliveryFrom stock, delivered in 7 to 14 days.

See the double sided Ipe batten fencing

Ipe batten fencing review: double sided fence in solid 40 x 40 mm battens in a garden
Ipe batten fencing review: double sided fence in solid 40 x 40 mm battens in a garden

What convinces us

  • Depth rather than a flat panel. A slatted fence uses 21 mm thick slats. This one uses solid battens, and that thickness is what creates the shadow lines.
  • Two good sides. Both faces are clad, so you and your neighbours look at the same fence.
  • Posts out of sight. The battens run across the posts and cover them completely.
  • Private and quieter. The black EPDM membrane between the two sides blocks the view and dampens noise.
  • Complete kit. Posts, battens, screws and membrane arrive in one delivery.

The downsides

  • Price. Two sides of solid Ipe cost roughly twice as much as the single sided version.
  • More work. You fix battens on both sides of the posts, so allow more time than for a slatted fence.
  • Cutting needs good tools. Ipe blunts blades quickly. Use carbide and dust extraction, as the sawdust can irritate the skin.
  • Can bleed. Ipe contains a dye that dissolves in water. Light coloured paving can show some staining at first.
  • Turns grey without oil. Left untreated, Ipe weathers to grey. Durability stays the same.

Questions about your garden? Call us on +49 2821 7483051.

Who it suits, and who it suits less

A good fit for

  • A boundary seen from both sides, for example between two gardens.
  • Anyone who wants full privacy and less noise from the road or next door.
  • Anyone after a fence that lasts 25+ years.

Less suitable for

  • A fence you only see from one side. Single sided is the logical choice there.
  • Anyone who wants to keep light and see through.
  • A tight budget.

Comparison: double or single sided

We also sell the same 40 x 40 mm battens as single sided Ipe batten screens. The timber then sits on one side of the posts only.

HeightDouble sided (this review)Single sided
1.80 m£1,016.98 per metre£504.21 per metre
2.04 m£1,128.08 per metre£572.58 per metre
When to chooseThe fence is seen from two sidesThe fence is seen from one side, for example against a wall

Prices on 28 October 2026.

Ipe 40 x 40 mm battens up close, with black EPDM membrane behind the gaps
Ipe 40 x 40 mm battens up close, with black EPDM membrane behind the gaps

Torn between slats and battens? Read our Ipe slatted fence review. The full pros and cons of the timber are in Ipe wood pros and cons.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Ipe batten fencing cost per metre?

The double sided version costs £1,016.98 per metre at 1.80 m high and £1,128.08 at 2.04 m. Posts, battens, screws and EPDM membrane are included. Single sided costs £504.21 and £572.58 per metre.

Can you see the posts on a batten fence?

No. The battens run across the 60 x 60 mm Azobe posts and hide them completely. Only at the start or end of the fence do you see the cut ends of the battens.

Why is there EPDM membrane in the fence?

The black membrane between the two sides makes the fence fully private and dampens sound. Because it is dark, you hardly notice it between the battens.

Work out your batten fence in the calculator

Written by Tom Wegter (team leader IT) and Marc Westerhuis (team leader communications) at Hardwood Discount· last updated: 28 October 2026· Facebook · Instagram · YouTube · Pinterest

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