Construction Hardwood: Ekki vs Opepe

When choosing constructional hardwood, decking timber, or structural beams, the species you specify can make the difference between decades of trouble-free performance and premature failures. Two of the most respected tropical hardwoods used in demanding builds are Ekki (Azobé) and Opepe (Bilinga).

At East Bros, we supply both species cut to your exact specifcation. While Ekki is often specified for ultimate durability and load capacity, many professionals choose Opepe for its strong structural performance with better machinability and value.

In this guide, we compare both timbers across key attributes — including strength grading, durability, workability, and cost — so you can confidently select the right hardwood for your project.

What Is Ekki? (Azobé Hardwood)

Learn more: https://eastbros.co.uk/ekki/

Ekki, also known as Azobé, is one of the hardest and most durable commercial hardwoods available. It’s sourced from West Africa and widely used in heavy structural, marine, and civil engineering applications where maximum load capacity and longevity are essential.

Strength & Durability

• Typically strength graded D70, placing Ekki among the strongest hardwoods in European grading systems

• Exceptional resistance to rot, insects, and decay

• Ideal for maritime environments and permanent outdoor exposure

Common Uses

• Heavy structural beams and columns

• Bridge construction

• Wharf, harbour, and dock timbers

• Railway sleepers & groyne posts

• Marine fenders and lock gates

Workability

• Very dense and hard

• Requires heavy-duty tooling, pre-boring for fixings, and specialist machining

• Tool wear and labour can be higher compared to other hardwoods

Best for: Ultimate durability and extreme load-bearing applications

What Is Opepe? (Bilinga Hardwood)

Learn more: https://eastbros.co.uk/opepe/

Opepe (also called Bilinga) is a high-performance tropical hardwood known for excellent strength and reliable durability. While still classed as a hard timber, it is easier to machine and fix than Ekki — a major advantage on site and in fabrication.

Strength & Durability

• Commonly strength graded D50

• Excellent performance in external and marine environments

• High natural resistance to decay and borers

Common Uses

• Structural timber (beams, posts, frames)

• External Decking/Framing

• Marine piles, jetties, and boardwalks

• Heavy garden landscaping

• Railway sleepers and industrial frameworks

• Bridge construction

Workability

• Hard and durable, but more predictable in machining than Ekki

• Less tool wear and faster cutting/drilling

Best for: Balanced performance — strong, durable, easier to work, and more cost-effective

Ekki vs Opepe: Side-by-Side Comparison

Duration & Longevity

• Ekki: Exceptional for long-term marine exposure and continuous loading

• Opepe: Excellent for most structural and external uses — slightly less dense but reliably durable

Workability & Installation

• Ekki: Demanding on tools and labour.

• Opepe: Hard but easier to cut, drill, and fix — speeds up installation

Availability & Value

• Ekki: Premium pricing and longer lead times for large sections

• Opepe: Better availability, cost-effective for most professional builds

Which Timber Should You Choose?

Choose Ekki if:

Your project demands maximum strength and durability
It will be in severe marine exposure or under constant wetting
You’re specifying timber for civil engineering or heavy infrastructure

Choose Opepe if:

You need strong structural timber with easier machining
Cost, availability, and delivery speed matter
You’re building decking, external structures, or moderate marine work

Final Recommendation

For most construction, marine, and structural applications, Opepe timber often delivers the best balance of strength, durability, machinability, and value, making it a smart choice for contractors and specifiers alike.

However, when the specification calls for maximum long-term performance and unmatched strength under heavy loads, Ekki remains the premium solution.

At East Bros, we can help you choose the right species and supply timber cut to size with professional guidance on performance, standards, and suitability.

Need help choosing?

Contact East Bros timber specialists — we’ll help you match timber species to your exact project requirements.