Teak vs Ipe: which timber for your fence?

In short: Ipe is harder, heavier and darker, and in stock. Teak is lighter in colour and weight, moves less and is 10% less, but softer. A 10 metre fence at 1.80 m high comes to £3,305.38 in Ipe and £2,978.25 in teak in the calculator. The build, posts and clips are the same for both.

Compare teak and Ipe in the calculator

Teak and Ipe side by side

TeakIpe
ColourYellow brown, golden sheenYellow brown to dark olive brown
Weightapprox. 670 kg/m³approx. 1,050 kg/m³
Hardness (Janka)4,740 N15,520 N, over 3 times as hard
MovementVery lowLow
Durability class1 to 3, depending on origin1, lifespan 25+ years
Slats50, 70 and 90 mm50, 70 and 90 mm
Posts and fixingAzobé 60 x 60 mm, clips, 5 mm gapAzobé 60 x 60 mm, clips, 5 mm gap
Price, fence 10 m x 1.80 m£2,978.25£3,305.38
Lead timeFrom November 2026In stock, 7 to 14 days

Prices including VAT from the calculator on 20 October 2026, single sided with 50 mm slats.

Pros of teak

  • Lighter colour. Teak is a warm yellow brown that suits pale paving or a modern facade.
  • Light to handle. A teak slat weighs about a third less than an Ipe slat, which helps when you carry and fit them.
  • Moves very little. Teak shrinks and swells less than Ipe, so the gaps stay even.
  • 10% less. The same fence costs 10% less in teak.

Cons of teak

  • Softer. Teak is far softer than Ipe and dents or scratches more easily, from a bike handlebar or a football for example.
  • Durability varies. How durable plantation teak is depends on its origin and the age of the trees. More on plantation teak.
  • Cutting. Teak contains silica and blunts saw blades quickly.
  • Lead time. Teak is available from November 2026, Ipe is in stock.

When to choose Ipe

Choose Ipe for the hardest, most durable fence, with a lifespan of 25+ years, or if you want to build soon. Ipe is in stock. More on what Ipe wood is and the pros and cons of Ipe.

When to choose teak

Choose teak for a lighter, warm timber colour, a lighter fence to put up and a lower price, as long as the fence does not need to be up before November. All options are on teak fencing.

Care: is there a difference?

Very little. Both turn silver grey if left alone, and both keep their colour longer with oil. Oil works like sun cream: the timber becomes water and dirt repellent. For teak it is explained step by step on teak fence care.

Compare them yourself in the calculator

In the fence calculator you choose Ipe or teak slats. Enter your length and height, pick the slat width and a gate if you need one, and you see the total price with posts, clips and screws straight away. How it works in 5 steps is on how to calculate fencing.

Price your fence

Teak vs Ipe FAQ

Which is better, teak or Ipe?

It depends on what matters to you. Ipe is harder and more durable, teak is lighter in colour and weight and 10% less.

Can I combine teak and Ipe?

Yes, the sizes and fixing system are the same and both go on the same azobé posts. An Ipe fence with a teak gate works too.

Does teak go as grey as Ipe?

Yes, both turn silver grey untreated.

Can I use teak for decking?

We only supply teak for fencing and gates. For decking we recommend Ipe.

More on teak fencing

Written by Tom Wegter (team leader IT) and Marc Westerhuis (team leader communications) at Hardwood Discount · last updated: 21 October 2026 · Facebook · Instagram · YouTube · Pinterest