Is an ipe fence worth 3x the cost of cedar?

Over a 50-year period, yes. You would replace a cedar fence 2-3 times in the lifespan of one ipe fence. When you factor in replacement labor and materials, ipe often costs less long-term.

Can I install an ipe fence myself?

It is very challenging. Ipe is extremely hard and heavy, requiring carbide-tipped blades, pre-drilling for every fastener, and significant physical effort. Most homeowners hire professionals.

Will my ipe fence turn gray?

Yes, ipe weathers to a silver-gray if left untreated. Many homeowners prefer this natural patina. If you want to maintain the brown color, apply ipe oil once or twice per year.

fencing

Cedar vs Ipe Fence: Which Wood Lasts Longer? (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated June 1, 2026|Sources & methodology

Cedar is the classic fence wood known for affordability and natural rot resistance, while ipe is a premium tropical hardwood that can last 50+ years with minimal maintenance. Choosing between them comes down to budget, desired lifespan, and how much you want to invest upfront versus over time.

Cedar

Ipe

Key Takeaways

Cedar is the classic fence wood known for affordability and natural rot resistance, while ipe is a premium tropical hardwood that can last 50+ years with minimal maintenance.
Choosing between them comes down to budget, desired lifespan, and how much you want to invest upfront versus over time.
Cedar is the sensible choice for most residential fences.
Ipe is the luxury choice that costs more upfront but may cost less over a 50-year horizon.
Most homeowners choose cedar; those who build once choose ipe.

Property	Cedar	Ipe
Lifespan	15-25 years	40-75 years
Cost/Linear Ft Installed	$15-$30	$40-$80
Hardness (Janka)	350 lbf	3,680 lbf
Maintenance	Seal every 2-3 years	Oil annually or let gray
Installation	Easy, standard tools	Difficult, requires pre-drilling

Cedar

Pros

Affordable upfront cost, Easy to cut and install, Natural insect resistance

Cons

Shorter lifespan than ipe, Requires regular sealing, Softer and dents easily

Ipe

Pros

Extremely long lifespan, Nearly indestructible hardness, Beautiful when oiled

Cons

Very expensive, Difficult to install, Heavy and hard on tools

Best Use Cases

Choose cedar for budget-friendly fencing on properties where you may replace the fence in 15-20 years. Choose ipe for a forever fence where the upfront investment pays off over decades of zero-replacement durability.

Verdict

Cedar is the sensible choice for most residential fences. Ipe is the luxury choice that costs more upfront but may cost less over a 50-year horizon. Most homeowners choose cedar; those who build once choose ipe.