Knowledge base: decking, fencing and hardwood explained

In short: this is where our team keeps everything we know in one place: how to lay a deck or put up a fence, what it costs, which timber to choose and how to look after it. It is all based on our own products, with real sizes and prices, and we say so when something does not work as well.

Decking · Fencing and gates · Wood species: Ipe, teak and more · Verandas and timber frames · Steel doors

Decking

Our decking is Ipe: boards of 21 x 140 mm, fixed invisibly with black coated stainless steel clips and screws, with an 8 mm gap. Joists go 40 to 45 cm apart, ideally Ipe as well, with weed membrane underneath. The board ends click together with a tongue and groove joint. Ipe lasts 25+ years, even without maintenance.

Fencing and gates

Our fences are narrow Ipe slats of 21 x 50, 70 or 90 mm, or 4 x 4 cm battens, fitted horizontally on Azobé posts of 6 x 6 cm with a 5 mm gap. An EPDM membrane behind the slats adds privacy and cuts noise. Gates have a black coated steel frame with vertical slats.

Wood species: Ipe, teak and more

Ipe is a very hard, heavy tropical hardwood, about 1,050 kg per m³, durability class 1. Left unoiled it weathers to silver grey and stays just as strong. For fencing we now also supply teak.

Verandas and timber frames

Our verandas and timber frames are always solid Douglas fir or oak, made to measure with mortise and tenon, half lap and dovetail joints. Made to measure takes about 8 weeks.

Steel doors

Steel doors are made to measure: pivot, sliding or hinged, for inside and outside. Lead time is 6 to 8 weeks.

Who writes this knowledge base?

The guides are written by Tom Wegter and Marc Westerhuis, together with the colleagues who advise customers on decking, fencing and verandas every day. We base them on our own products and on customer projects, and update the pages when sizes, prices or lead times change. More about us on about us. Question not answered here? Call us on +49 2821 7483051.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best wood for decking?

For a deck that lasts 25+ years without maintenance we recommend Ipe: durability class 1, very hard and stable.

How much does decking cost per m²?

Ipe decking costs about £82 per m² for boards with clips and screws, plus joists and foundations.

How much does a fence cost per metre?

An Ipe fence costs from about £330 per metre, 1.80 m high with slats on one side, complete with posts, slats, clips and screws.

How long does Ipe last?

25+ years, even without maintenance. Oil is extra protection, not a requirement.

Written by Tom Wegter (team leader IT) and Marc Westerhuis (team leader communications) at Hardwood Discount· last updated: 12 November 2026· Facebook · Instagram · YouTube · Pinterest