For years, ipe was the default answer for anyone who wanted the hardest, longest-lasting deck money could buy. That is changing. Prices have risen, legal supply has become harder to verify, and since late 2024 ipe has been listed in CITES Appendix II. Architects, contractors and importers are now actively searching for ipe alternatives that perform just as well, with simpler paperwork and better value.
In this guide we compare eight African hardwoods that can replace ipe on decks, boardwalks, docks and facades. We supply all of them from Central Africa at Global Timber Trade Hub, so the figures and advice come from real projects.
In short
- Ipe is very hard and durable, but now pricier and CITES listed.
- Okan, Tali and Azobe come closest to ipe in hardness and durability.
- Padouk and Doussie offer premium looks and excellent stability.
- Bilinga and Mukulungu are proven in water and heavy use.
- Okan, Tali, Azobe, Bilinga and Mukulungu are not CITES listed.
- Most alternatives cost less per m³ than ipe.
Why people are looking beyond ipe
Ipe (Handroanthus species) from South America has a well-earned reputation. It is extremely dense, very hard and highly durable. But buyers face growing challenges:
- CITES listing: ipe was added to CITES Appendix II, with the listing taking effect in late 2024. Exports now need permits.
- Legality concerns: ipe has been linked to illegal logging in the Amazon, so due diligence is demanding.
- Price: strong global demand has pushed prices up.
- Handling: ipe is very heavy and hard, which slows installation.
What to look for in an ipe alternative
- natural durability class 1 or 2;
- high hardness for wear resistance;
- good stability for decks and facades;
- availability in long lengths and steady volumes;
- clear legal status and documents;
- a competitive price per square metre installed.
The 8 best African ipe alternatives at a glance
| Species | Hardness | Durability | CITES | From (USD/m³) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Okan | Very hard | Class 1 | Not listed | $650 |
| Tali | Very hard | Class 1–2 | Not listed | $650 |
| Azobe | Extremely hard | Class 1–2 | Not listed | $650 |
| Mukulungu | Very hard | Class 1 | Not listed | $700 |
| Bilinga | Hard | Class 1 | Not listed | $700 |
| Iroko | Medium-hard | Class 1–2 | Not listed | $950 |
| Padouk | Hard | Class 1 | Appendix II | $1,300 |
| Doussie | Hard | Class 1 | Appendix II | $1,350 |
Prices are indicative starting prices per m³ for standard sawn grade, FOB Central Africa.
1. Okan: the closest all-round match
Okan is very hard, class 1 durable and available in long lengths. It is our first suggestion for public boardwalks, bridges and heavy-traffic decks. It weathers to a calm grey and needs no treatment. See our full okan wood guide.
2. Tali: the best value
Tali is dense, durable and economical. For large municipal and commercial decks where cost per square metre matters, it is hard to beat. Colour varies at first but evens out as it weathers. Read our tali wood guide.
3. Azobe: maximum toughness
Azobe is even harder than ipe on some measures and is the classic heavy marine timber in Europe. It suits bridge decks, crane mats and docks. It is very heavy, so plan handling. See okan vs azobe.
4. Mukulungu: dense and fine
Mukulungu is very heavy and class 1 durable, with a finer texture than Azobe or Okan. It suits high-end terraces, stairs and docks where looks matter.
5. Bilinga: proven in water
Bilinga is lighter than ipe, very durable and has a good record against marine borers. It is ideal for piers, pontoons and coastal decks. See our bilinga wood guide.
6. Iroko: easy and reliable
Iroko is softer than ipe but durable, stable and much easier to work. It is a great choice for residential decks, garden furniture and cladding.
7. Padouk: the premium look
Padouk offers a striking red colour, very good stability and class 1 durability. It is CITES listed, like ipe, but it gives a more distinctive look for hotel terraces and luxury homes.
8. Doussie: the most stable
Doussie is one of the most stable hardwoods in the world, perfect for pool surrounds and wide boards. It is also CITES listed. See our doussie wood guide.
Matching the alternative to the project
| Project | Best ipe alternative | Runner-up |
|---|---|---|
| Public boardwalk | Okan | Tali |
| Bridge deck | Azobe | Okan |
| Pier or pontoon | Bilinga | Azobe |
| Pool surround | Doussie | Padouk |
| Luxury terrace | Padouk | Mukulungu |
| Residential garden deck | Iroko | Tali |
| Rainscreen cladding | Bilinga | Iroko |
Installation differences compared with ipe
Most of these woods are easier to install than ipe because they are lighter and less hard on tools. Still, the same good practice applies:
- pre-drill every screw hole;
- use A2 or A4 stainless steel fixings;
- leave 5–8 mm gaps between boards;
- ventilate the substructure;
- seal cut ends.
Cost per square metre
Comparing price per cubic metre is a start, but what matters is the installed cost per square metre. Lighter species like Bilinga and Iroko are faster to handle. Very hard species like Azobe take longer to pre-drill and fix. Tali and Okan usually give the best balance of material price and installation time for large public decks.
Paperwork: a real advantage
Five of the eight alternatives, Okan, Tali, Azobe, Mukulungu and Bilinga, are not CITES listed. They still come with full legality and chain-of-custody documents, but without permit delays. For projects with tight schedules, that can be decisive. Read our guide to CITES timber species.
How to switch a specification from ipe
Many specifications still name ipe by habit. To switch, propose an alternative with the same durability class and strength or hardness requirements, and provide technical data sheets. Engineers usually accept equivalent species when the performance is documented. Listing two or three accepted species in the tender also improves competition and lead times.
Common mistakes when replacing ipe
- Choosing on colour alone: durability and hardness matter more for public decks.
- Using the same fixing schedule: lighter species may need different screw spacing.
- Ignoring stability: around pools, choose the most stable species.
- Forgetting maintenance plans: all decks need cleaning and inspection.
A real-world switch
A coastal city planned a 500 m² boardwalk in ipe. After the CITES listing, the contractor faced longer lead times and higher prices. The engineer approved okan at the same durability class, with tali for the substructure. The project kept its schedule and saved a significant share of the timber budget.
How each alternative weathers
Like ipe, all of these woods turn silver-grey if left unfinished outdoors. The speed and shade differ a little. Okan and Tali grey fairly quickly to a mid-grey. Bilinga starts golden-orange and passes through a warm brown before greying. Padouk keeps a reddish tint longer, and Doussie settles to a soft, light grey. If you want to keep the original colour, clean the deck in spring and apply a UV-protective decking oil once or twice a year. If you are happy with grey, simply keep the surface clean and free of leaves.
Lead times compared with ipe
Non-listed species such as Okan, Tali, Azobe, Mukulungu and Bilinga can usually be prepared in a few weeks for standard sizes, and 4–8 weeks for profiled decking and long lengths, with no permit delay. Padouk and Doussie need a CITES export permit, which adds one to four weeks. Since its listing, ipe also needs permits, and supply from some regions has slowed. For projects with fixed opening dates, a non-listed African alternative often gives the most predictable schedule.
Ipe alternatives for cladding and facades
Ipe is also used for rainscreen cladding, where its density and durability give a long-lasting facade. Several African alternatives work just as well and are easier to fix. Bilinga gives a warm golden facade that weathers to silver. Iroko is stable, easy to machine into profiles and widely used for cladding in Europe. For very exposed coastal buildings, Okan offers top durability. Whatever the species, use a ventilated cavity behind the boards, stainless steel fixings and a profile that sheds water. Our guide to hardwood cladding covers the details.
Ipe alternatives for docks and marine use
On docks, piers and pontoons, the timber must resist decay, abrasion and, in salt water, marine borers. Bilinga has a good record against borers. Azobe and Okan offer outstanding toughness for fenders and heavy deck boards. Mukulungu combines density with a fine finish for visible marina walkways. For structural members, follow your engineer’s strength class and design. Read our guide to the best wood for marine construction.
Ordering an ipe alternative
Send us the project type, the area in square metres, the board size you have in mind and the destination port. If you already have an ipe specification, send it too. We will suggest the best match, confirm the volume and reply with a firm price, stock photos and a lead time. Many contractors order decking and substructure together, sometimes in two different species, in one container.
Our honest recommendation
For most public and commercial decks, start with Okan or Tali. For marine work, look at Bilinga and Azobe. For luxury residential terraces and pool decks, Padouk and Doussie give the most refined result, with CITES paperwork similar to ipe. Whatever you choose, good design, ventilation and fixings matter as much as the species.
Sources
- CITES Checklist
- Handroanthus (ipe) on Wikipedia
- CIRAD Tropix for technical data.
Related guides
Frequently asked questions about ipe alternatives
What is the best alternative to ipe?
Okan is the closest all-round match. Tali offers the best value, and Azobe the most toughness.
Is ipe CITES listed?
Yes. Ipe was added to CITES Appendix II, with the listing taking effect in late 2024.
Are ipe alternatives cheaper?
Most of them, yes. Okan, Tali and Azobe start from about $650 per m³, FOB Central Africa.
Do these alternatives need treatment?
No. They are naturally durable and normally used untreated.
Get a quote for an ipe alternative
Send your project type, area and sizes through our quote form. We will recommend the best alternative and reply with a firm price and lead time.