Is teak or Ipe harder?

Ipe is dramatically harder at 3,680 Janka versus teak's 1,070 Janka. This makes Ipe far more scratch-resistant but also much harder to cut, drill, and fasten during installation.

Why is teak more expensive than Ipe if Ipe is harder?

Teak's price reflects its legendary reputation in marine and outdoor applications, limited plantation supply, and centuries of proven performance. Ipe comes from larger South American forest reserves with more supply.

Which requires less maintenance, teak or Ipe?

Both are virtually maintenance-free structurally. Neither requires treatment to prevent rot. Both will gray without UV oil. Teak's higher oil content makes it slightly more self-maintaining.

decking

Teak vs Ipe Decking: Ultimate Premium Wood Comparison (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Comparison Team

|Last updated May 29, 2026|Sources & methodology

Teak and Ipe are the two most prestigious decking woods in the world. Teak has centuries of proven marine use, while Ipe is the hardest commercially available decking wood. Both deliver exceptional longevity at premium prices. This comparison helps you choose between these two titans of the decking world.

Teak

Ipe

Key Takeaways

Teak and Ipe are the two most prestigious decking woods in the world.
Teak has centuries of proven marine use, while Ipe is the hardest commercially available decking wood.
Both deliver exceptional longevity at premium prices.
Both deliver 40-75 year lifespans with exceptional rot resistance.
Teak is softer but easier to work and more prestigious.

Property	Teak	Ipe
Price/Linear Ft	$8-$15	$4-$8
Janka Hardness	1,070 lbf	3,680 lbf
Natural Oil Content	Very high	High
Lifespan	40-75 years	40-75 years
Rot Resistance	Exceptional	Exceptional
Workability	Good - moderate difficulty	Very difficult
Maintenance	Optional	Optional

Teak

Pros

Centuries of proven outdoor performance, Highest natural oil content, Easier to work with than Ipe, Unmatched marine heritage

Cons

Most expensive decking option, Sustainability concerns, Significantly softer than Ipe, Can be hard to source quality

Ipe

Pros

Hardest commercial decking wood, Better value than teak, Superior scratch resistance, Excellent availability in exotic market

Cons

Extremely difficult to work with, Very heavy boards, Pre-drilling required everywhere, Less prestigious brand recognition

Best Use Cases

Choose teak for the ultimate prestige decking with the easiest maintenance in the premium category. Choose Ipe for superior hardness and scratch resistance at a significantly lower premium price.

Verdict

Both deliver 40-75 year lifespans with exceptional rot resistance. Teak is softer but easier to work and more prestigious. Ipe is harder and cheaper but much more difficult to install. For value, Ipe wins. For prestige and workability, teak wins.