Is Ipe slippery on a dock?

Ipe can be slippery when wet, especially if algae develops. Routed anti-slip grooves or applied non-slip strips address this safety concern.

How long will Teak last on a dock?

Quality Teak dock decking lasts 30-50 years depending on maintenance and climate. In saltwater environments, Teak's natural oils provide excellent protection against marine organisms.

Can I use Ipe for dock pilings?

Ipe is not typically used for pilings due to cost and difficulty of driving. Treated Southern Pine or concrete pilings are standard, with Ipe used for the decking surface.

Dock Decking

Ipe vs Teak for Dock Decking: 2026 Complete Comparison (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated July 1, 2026|Sources & methodology

Dock decking faces some of the harshest conditions any wood must endure — constant water exposure, UV radiation, foot traffic, and marine organisms. Ipe and Teak are the two premium hardwoods that handle these conditions best. This comparison covers durability, safety, cost, and maintenance to help you choose the right decking for your dock.

Ipe

Teak

Key Takeaways

Dock decking faces some of the harshest conditions any wood must endure — constant water exposure, UV radiation, foot traffic, and marine organisms.
Ipe and Teak are the two premium hardwoods that handle these conditions best.
This comparison covers durability, safety, cost, and maintenance to help you choose the right decking for your dock.
For most dock projects, Ipe delivers the best value — it outlasts Teak and costs significantly less.
However, Teak's natural non-slip surface makes it the safer choice for swim docks and areas with barefoot traffic.

Property	Ipe	Teak
Hardness (Janka)	3510 lbf	1070 lbf
Decay Resistance	Exceptional	Exceptional
Slip Resistance (Wet)	Moderate — can be slippery	Excellent — naturally non-slip
Avg Cost (BF)	$8–16	$25–50
Lifespan (Dock)	40–75+ years	30–50+ years
Maintenance	Optional oiling	Optional oiling

Ipe

Pros

Hardest commercially available wood — extreme durability. More affordable than Teak for large dock surfaces. Longest lifespan of any natural wood decking. Virtually impervious to marine borers.

Cons

Can be slippery when wet — may need anti-slip treatment. Extremely hard on tools during installation. Very heavy — difficult to handle on a dock. Splinters can be severe due to density.

Teak

Pros

Naturally non-slip when wet — critical safety advantage. Self-maintaining with natural oil content. Traditional marine choice with centuries of proven use. More comfortable underfoot than Ipe.

Cons

Much more expensive per board foot. Shorter lifespan than Ipe in dock applications. Sustainability concerns require FSC verification. Softer — shows wear faster than Ipe.

Best Use Cases

Choose Ipe for large commercial docks or residential docks where budget matters and anti-slip measures can be added. Choose Teak for boat docks, swim docks, and any surface where bare feet are common and natural slip resistance is a critical safety feature.

Verdict

For most dock projects, Ipe delivers the best value — it outlasts Teak and costs significantly less. However, Teak's natural non-slip surface makes it the safer choice for swim docks and areas with barefoot traffic. If budget allows, Teak decking on an Ipe substructure is the ultimate combination.