Ipe is famous as one of the hardest, longest-lasting decking woods in the world. Iroko, often called African teak, is one of the most popular outdoor hardwoods in Europe and Africa, valued for its stability, comfort and teak-like look. Deck builders, architects and homeowners often compare iroko vs ipe when choosing a premium outdoor timber, especially since ipe was added to CITES Appendix II and its supply became less predictable. They are both excellent woods, but they suit different projects.
In this guide we compare them on hardness, density, stability, durability, appearance, comfort underfoot, working and installation, legal status, supply and cost. At Global Timber Trade Hub we supply iroko from Central Africa; we do not sell ipe, which comes from South America, but we have tried to describe it fairly.
In short
- Ipe is far harder and heavier; iroko is lighter and much easier to work.
- Iroko is very stable and smooth underfoot; ipe can check more.
- Both are durable outdoors; ipe has the edge on heavy public boardwalks.
- Iroko is golden brown, ipe olive to dark brown; both weather to grey.
- Ipe is CITES Appendix II listed; iroko is not.
- Iroko usually costs less and is simpler to source and install.
Quick comparison
| Property | Iroko | Ipe |
|---|---|---|
| Botanical name | Milicia excelsa, M. regia | Handroanthus spp. |
| Origin | West and Central Africa | Central and South America |
| Colour | Golden brown | Olive-brown to dark brown |
| Density (dry) | about 640–700 kg/m³ | about 1,000–1,100 kg/m³ |
| Janka hardness | about 5,600 N | about 15,000 N |
| Stability | Very good | Good |
| Durability | Durable to very durable | Very durable |
| CITES | Not listed | Appendix II |
Figures are typical published values; individual boards vary.
Hardness and wear
Ipe is one of the hardest commercial woods, almost three times as hard as iroko on the Janka scale. It resists wear, dents and abrasion exceptionally well, which is why it has been used on some of the world’s busiest boardwalks. Iroko is medium-hard, harder than many softwoods and similar to oak, and more than hard enough for homes, terraces, hotels and restaurants. On very heavily trafficked public decks, ipe’s hardness is an advantage; on most private and commercial decks, iroko performs very well.
Stability and checking
Iroko is one of the most stable African hardwoods, moving little between wet and dry, so boards stay flat and checks are minimal. Ipe is reasonably stable for such a dense wood but is known for surface checks and end splits, especially in hot, dry climates and wide boards. End sealing is essential with ipe. For barefoot areas, iroko’s smoother, more stable surface is more comfortable.
Durability
Both woods are naturally durable outdoors. Ipe has an outstanding record and is classed among the most durable timbers. Iroko is durable to very durable, with a long track record in decks, garden furniture, boat building and exterior joinery. With good design and ventilation, both will last for decades on a deck.
Appearance and comfort
Iroko is golden brown, darkening slightly, and weathers to an even silver-grey. Ipe is olive-brown to dark brown and weathers to a darker grey. In hot sun, dark ipe gets hotter underfoot than lighter iroko. For pool decks and barefoot terraces, iroko is usually more comfortable. See our best wood for pool deck guide.
Weight and installation
Ipe weighs around 50% more than iroko. It is very hard on tools, needs carbide blades, pre-drilling and often special fixings, and takes longer to install. Iroko is lighter, cuts and drills easily and installs much faster, which saves labour cost. On roof terraces with weight limits, iroko’s lower weight is a real advantage. Both need stainless fixings and good ventilation.
CITES and supply
Ipe (Handroanthus and related genera) was listed on CITES Appendix II, with the listing taking effect in late 2024. Exports now need CITES permits, and supply and prices have become less predictable. Iroko is not CITES listed, though it still needs full legal origin documents under EU, UK and US rules. For buyers who want simpler paperwork and steady supply, iroko is easier. See our CITES timber species guide.
Price
Kiln-dried iroko decking starts from about $1,150 per m³ FOB, roughly $26–30 per m² in board value for 21 mm boards. Ipe prices vary with origin and market and have been volatile since the CITES listing, but it generally costs more than iroko. Add ipe’s higher installation time and freight by weight, and the total cost gap usually widens. See our iroko decking and hardwood decking cost guides.
Best uses for iroko
- Residential decks, terraces and pool surrounds.
- Hotel and restaurant decks.
- Garden furniture, pergolas and cladding.
- Window sills, doors and boat parts.
Best uses for ipe
- Very heavily trafficked public boardwalks.
- Commercial decks with carts and heavy loads.
- Marine structures where extreme hardness helps.
Other options
If you want ipe-class hardness without CITES paperwork, look at dense African species such as okan, tali and mukulungu. For premium stability, consider doussie. See our ipe alternatives and doussie vs ipe guides.
A worked example: choosing for a hotel deck
Imagine a resort hotel planning a 400 square metre deck around its pool and beach bar. The original specification called for ipe, but quotes came back with long lead times and uncertain pricing after the CITES listing, and the installer warned that the dark boards would get very hot in the afternoon sun. The design team compared options and switched the pool and lounge areas to smooth-faced iroko, which stays cooler, feels comfortable for bare feet and installs faster. For the service route used by trolleys and staff, they chose grooved okan, which is very hard-wearing and not CITES listed. The combined timber cost was lower than the original ipe quote, installation took less time and the hotel received the timber on schedule with simpler paperwork. Guests notice the warm golden deck around the pool, and the service route stands up to daily use. This kind of zoned approach is common: put the most comfortable wood where people relax and the hardest wood where traffic is heaviest.
Weight and freight
Because ipe is so dense, a container reaches its weight limit with less volume than iroko, which raises freight per square metre of decking. On long routes, this can be a significant difference. See our timber shipping cost guide.
Lead times and payment
Kiln-dried iroko decking is usually ready to load in 5–8 weeks. For first orders, a letter of credit or a deposit with balance against copy documents protects both sides. See our letter of credit for timber guide.
Maintenance compared
Both woods are low-maintenance compared with softwood or many composites, but they behave differently over time. Iroko decks need cleaning twice a year and, if you want to keep the golden colour, an oil once or twice a year; left unoiled, they weather to an even silver-grey with very little checking. Ipe decks also need cleaning and optional oiling, but because ipe is so dense and prone to checking, many installers recommend sealing cut ends and oiling soon after installation to reduce splits, especially in sunny, dry climates. Ipe’s hardness means it resists scratches from furniture well, while iroko may show light marks that weather out over time. Both woods can be cleaned, lightly sanded and re-oiled after many years to look almost new. In practice, the difference in maintenance effort is small; the bigger differences are in installation time, comfort underfoot and sourcing.
Iroko vs ipe for outdoor furniture and cladding
For garden furniture, iroko is usually the better choice: it is lighter, more comfortable to sit on, easier to shape and less prone to checking. For cladding, iroko’s stability and lighter weight make fixing easier and reduce load on the building. Ipe is used for cladding and furniture in some markets but is heavier and harder to work. See our best wood for outdoor furniture and hardwood cladding guides.
Sustainability and legality
Both species come from natural tropical forests, so legal sourcing matters. Ipe exports now need CITES permits in addition to national documents, and buyers in the EU must also meet the deforestation regulation. Iroko needs legal origin documents and, for many public projects, certification. Ask your supplier for full documents whichever species you choose, and keep them on file. See our sustainability page.
Ordering iroko decking
When you send an enquiry, tell us the board size, profile, deck area, any matching steps or fascias and your destination port. We will calculate the volume with a sensible waste allowance and quote FOB or CIF.
For larger projects, ask for a sample board so you can check the colour, profile and feel underfoot before you commit to the full order.
Mixed containers with iroko and other species are easy to arrange for smaller projects.
Common mistakes
- Choosing ipe for a barefoot pool deck in hot sun: it gets hot and can check.
- Underestimating ipe installation time: every fixing must be pre-drilled.
- Ignoring CITES for ipe: permits are now required.
- Poor ventilation: any deck lasts longer with airflow.
Our honest advice
For most homes, hotels, restaurants and pool areas, iroko gives a stable, comfortable, durable deck at a lower total cost and with simpler sourcing. Choose ipe for the heaviest public boardwalks where maximum hardness matters and you can source it legally. If you want ipe-like hardness without CITES, try okan or tali.
Sources
Related guides
- Iroko vs teak
- Best hardwood for decking
- Okan decking
- Heavy construction and marine timber
- Iroko wood price
Frequently asked questions about iroko vs ipe
Is iroko as durable as ipe?
Both are durable outdoors; ipe is harder, iroko is more stable and comfortable.
Is iroko cheaper than ipe?
Usually yes, and it is lighter and quicker to install.
Is ipe CITES listed?
Yes. Ipe is on CITES Appendix II; iroko is not.
Which is better for a pool deck?
Iroko, because it stays cooler, is smoother and checks less.
Get an iroko price
Send us your board size, profile, deck area and destination through our quote form. We will reply with a firm price and lead time.