The Most Expensive Woods in the World
Published October 14, 2023
Most people often admire things made of wood. Whether it’s furniture, decoration for your living room, or even the floors and ceilings for your beautiful home, you can never go wrong when choosing wood. It gives a unique and classy outcome; hence, it never goes out of style.
But you might have wondered why some things made of wood are costly while others are not. Well, it’s because there are different types of wood, and the value of wood depends on several factors.
The price of wood depends on its durability, resistance, how complicated it is to work with, and, most importantly, how rare the wood is. The more unusual the tree, the higher the price will be.
If you’re fond of luxurious things, here are the most expensive woods in the world and why they fetch such hefty prices.
Most Expensive Wood in the World
Bocote
With its zebra-like contrasts and bold figure, Bocote is highly sought after for producing exquisite furniture and flooring.
Estimated price: $100 per board foot.
African Blackwood
Also considered the most expensive tree in the world, African Blackwood is incredibly dense and hard. It is primarily used for musical instruments due to its excellent acoustic properties.
Estimated price: $100 per board foot.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is widely used in the cosmetic industry for its soft, creamy, and long-lasting scent. Its production has decreased, making it increasingly rare and expensive.
Estimated price: $80 per pound.
Pink Ivory
Also known as Red Ivory, Pink Ivory wood is highly durable and resistant to decay. It is commonly used for billiard cues and knife handles. Pink Ivory is also one of the rarest woods in the world.
Estimated price: $30 per board foot.
Purple Heart
Purple Heart wood gets its name from its color-changing properties. It starts as brown but changes to purple when exposed to UV light. It is exceptionally challenging to work with and highly resistant to decay.
Estimated price: $12 per board foot.
Lignum Vitae
Known as the national tree of the Bahamas, Lignum Vitae is highly dense and laborious to work with. It is prized for its self-lubricating properties, making it an excellent choice for bearings. It is also endangered.
Estimated price: $10 per board foot.
Bubinga
Bubinga wood is easy to work with and is famous for high-quality furniture and tools. It is highly durable and resistant to termites and marine borer attacks.
Estimated price: $8 per board foot.
Agar Wood
Agarwood is famous for producing tea, oil, and perfume. It is incredibly rare and highly demanded, contributing to its hefty price tag.
Estimated price: $7,000 per pound.
Dalbergia
Dalbergia wood is known for its durability, density, and rarity. It is commonly used in sports goods and high-quality furniture. Working with Dalbergia wood can be hazardous due to its poisonous sawdust.
Estimated price: $6 per board foot.
Rarest Wood in The World
Snakewood
Snakewood is one of the rarest woods globally known for its distinctive snakeskin-like patterns. It is incredibly dense and difficult to work with.
Estimated price: $350 per board foot.
Amboyna Burl
This wood comes from a type of tree that grows in Southeast Asia. It is highly prized for its unique burl patterns and vibrant red color.
Estimated price: $300 per board foot.
Brazilian Rosewood
Once widely used in the production of musical instruments, Brazilian Rosewood has become extremely rare due to overexploitation. Its rich reddish-brown color and excellent tonal properties make it highly sought after.
Estimated price: $200 per board foot.
Ebony
Ebony wood is famous for its deep black color and fine-grained texture. It has been highly valued for centuries, often used to craft high-end furniture, musical instruments, and ornamental objects.
Estimated price: $80 per board foot.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a tropical hardwood renowned for its durability, beautiful grain patterns, and rich reddish-brown color. Several species of mahogany are now endangered, making them rare and valuable.
Estimated price: $30 per board foot.
Ziricote
Ziricote is a rare wood from Central America known for its striking dark brown color with black streaks. It is highly valued for its unique appearance and is often used in luxury furniture and decorative items.
Estimated price: $25 per board foot.
(Related: The Amazing Benefits of Olive Oil on Wood)
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About The Author
Experience, exploration, and knowledge are the hallmarks of writer Rei Bayucca. Her dedication to crafting articles that both inspire and educate will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.
