Teak vs ipe
Teak and ipe are the tropical woods sold for decks, boats and outdoor furniture. Ipe is far harder and heavier; teak moves less.
- Ipe is about 268% harder than teak.
- Ipe is about 74% heavier than teak.
- Ipe has about 41% more movement across a flatsawn board than teak.
Side by side
| Property | Teak | Ipe |
|---|---|---|
| Janka hardness, 12% MC | 1,000 lbf | 3,680 lbf |
| Weight, 12% MC | 40.1 lb/ft³ (643 kg/m³) | 69.9 lb/ft³ (1,119 kg/m³) |
| Specific gravity, 12% MC | — | — |
| Tangential shrinkage | 5.8% | 8.0% |
| Radial shrinkage | 2.5% | 6.6% |
| 12 in flatsawn board, 6% → 12% MC | 0.146 in | 0.205 in |
| 12 in quartersawn board, 6% → 12% MC | 0.061 in | 0.167 in |
| Bending strength (MOR), 12% MC | 14,600 psi | 25,400 psi |
| Stiffness (MOE), 12% MC | 1.55 million psi | 3.14 million psi |
| Crushing strength, 12% MC | 8,410 psi | 13,010 psi |
One source: USDA Forest Products Laboratory, the authority for species properties it measured
Wood Handbook Tables 5-5b and 4-4; weight and movement worked with its Eqs. 4-14 and 13-4. A dash means the Handbook prints no value.
What sets them apart
- Hardness and weight
- The Handbook puts ipe’s hardness at two to three times that of white oak, and says thoroughly air-dried ipe heartwood generally sinks in water. It puts teak’s properties generally on par with the US oaks. (Wood Handbook, p. 2-25 and 2-38)
- Durability
- Ipe heartwood is highly resistant to decay and to both subterranean and dry-wood termites, but not to marine borers. Teak heartwood has a very high degree of natural durability and excellent dimensional stability. (Wood Handbook, p. 2-25 and 2-38)
- Working and finishing
- Ipe is moderately difficult to machine, though glassy smooth surfaces can be produced. Teak works with moderate ease, but its silica dulls tools, and its oily feel can call for pretreatment before gluing or finishing. (Wood Handbook, p. 2-25 and 2-38)
- Uses
- Ipe goes into decks, heavy-duty truck and boxcar flooring, tool handles and turnery. Teak goes into boats, furniture, flooring and decorative veneer; because it does not cause rust or corrosion against metal, it is also used in shipbuilding and for tanks and vats. (Wood Handbook, p. 2-25 and 2-38)
For any other pair, open each species page from the wood hub; every page uses the same layout and the same sources.