Ipe wood: the pros and cons

Ipe is durable and stable, but not perfect. The big advantage: an Ipe fence or deck lasts 25+ years and stays straight. The main drawbacks: it is heavy and hard, always needs pre-drilling and has been permit-controlled since 2024.

Pros

ProDetail
Durability class 1The highest class under EN 350, suitable for ground contact without treatment
25+ yearsEven without maintenance. Oil is advice, not a requirement
Stable6.4% shrinkage across the width, less than bankirai (9.5%) or azobe (10.3%)
Hard15,520 N on the Janka scale, resists dents and scratches
Smooth and splinter freeMachines to a smooth finish
Insect resistantHeartwood resists termites and wood borers

Cons

ConWhat to do about it
HeavyAround 1,050 kg per m³, more lifting than softwood
Hard to workAlways pre-drill and use carbide-tipped blades. With our clip fixing the pre-drilling is part of the system
Dust can irritateIpe contains lapachol. Cut outdoors or with extraction
Can bleedWhen wet, colour can run out of the timber, mainly at first. Bear it in mind above pale paving
Turns greyLeft untreated Ipe silvers. Oil keeps the brown colour
CITES, endangered speciesPermits needed since 2024, and one species is on the Red List. See origin and CITES
PriceCosts more than softwood, but you are not replacing it after 10 to 15 years

When is Ipe not the best choice?

If you want a lighter colour, plantation timber or less weight to handle, look at teak. From November we supply teak slatted fencing with 50 mm slats and 40 x 40 mm battens, on the same azobe posts, at 10% less than the same fence in Ipe. Teak is much softer though: 4,740 N against 15,520 N.

FAQ

How long does Ipe last?
25+ years.

Should I oil Ipe?
You don't have to; Ipe lasts 25+ years without maintenance. We do recommend it: like wax on a car it repels dirt and water, and the timber stays more stable in very hot or wet weather.

Is Ipe hard to install?
It is heavy and needs pre-drilling. With our clips and click joint it still goes quickly, and the clip sets the gap.

Ipe Expertise: more from the specialists

Written by Tom Wegter (team leader IT) and Marc Westerhuis (team leader communications) at Hardwood Discount· last updated: 4 October 2026· Facebook · Instagram · YouTube · Pinterest