Are you curious about the most expensive woods in the world? From African Blackwood to Ziricote, the world of woodworking is filled with rare and exotic woods that can cost a fortune.
Whether you’re a professional woodworker or just someone who appreciates fine craftsmanship, learning about these luxurious woods can be fascinating.
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the 20 most expensive woods in the world by price per board foot.
While some of these woods are well-known for their beauty and durability, others are prized for their rarity and unique characteristics.
Some of them are so rare that they can only be found in remote parts of the world, while others are in danger of becoming extinct due to over-harvesting.
Whether you’re interested in woodworking or just want to learn more about these fascinating woods, this article will provide you with an in-depth look at the most expensive woods in the world.
So sit back, relax, and get ready to explore the world of luxury woodworking!
1. African Blackwood
If you’re looking for the most expensive wood in the world, look no further than African Blackwood. This dark, dense wood is prized for its beautiful color and durability. It is commonly used for musical instruments, such as clarinets, oboes, and bagpipes, due to its excellent acoustic properties.
African Blackwood is also highly valued for its unique grain patterns and is often used for decorative purposes. However, its high price tag makes it a luxury item that is not accessible to everyone.
The cost of African Blackwood can vary depending on the quality and size of the wood. A single log can cost up to $9,000, and processed timber can cost as much as $13,000 per cubic square meter. The price per board foot can reach up to $100, making it one of the most expensive woods in the world.
Despite its high cost, African Blackwood remains a popular choice for those who appreciate its beauty and quality. If you’re looking for a truly luxurious wood for your next project, African Blackwood is definitely worth considering.
2. Sandalwood
Sandalwood is a fragrant wood that is highly valued for its aroma and is often used in perfumes, incense, and aromatherapy. It is also a popular wood for carving and furniture making.
Sandalwood is native to India, but it is also found in other parts of Asia, including Indonesia and Sri Lanka. The wood is harvested from the heartwood of the tree, which takes about 60 to 80 years to mature. Because of its slow growth, sandalwood is a rare and expensive wood.
The price of sandalwood varies depending on the quality and origin of the wood. The highest quality sandalwood comes from Mysore in India and is known as Mysore sandalwood. It can cost up to $50 per board foot. Other varieties of sandalwood, such as Australian sandalwood, are less expensive, with prices ranging from $20 to $30 per board foot.
Sandalwood is also used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. However, it is important to note that the use of sandalwood in medicine should be done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
3. Pink Ivory
Pink Ivory is an exotic wood that comes from Africa and is known for its unique pink color. It is one of the rarest and most expensive woods in the world, with a price per board foot ranging from $30 to $80. The wood is so rare that it is often referred to as “the diamond of the wood world.”
Pink Ivory is a dense and heavy wood that is easy to work with. It is often used for high-end furniture and decorative items such as knife handles, pool cues, and musical instruments. The wood is also known for its durability and resistance to decay, making it a popular choice for outdoor projects.
Due to its rarity, Pink Ivory is a highly sought-after wood and is often difficult to find. It is important to purchase Pink Ivory from a reputable source to ensure that it is ethically sourced and sustainably harvested.
If you are looking for a unique and rare wood for your next project, Pink Ivory is definitely worth considering. Its beautiful pink color and durability make it a great choice for high-end projects that require a touch of luxury.
4. Agarwood
Agarwood, also known as oud or eaglewood, is one of the most expensive woods in the world. It is a rare and precious wood that is highly sought after for its unique fragrance and medicinal properties.
Agarwood is obtained from the Aquilaria tree, which is native to Southeast Asia. The wood is formed when the tree becomes infected with a specific type of mold. The infection causes the tree to produce a resin, which eventually hardens and forms the agarwood.
The production of agarwood is a lengthy and complex process, which is why it is so expensive. It can take years for the tree to become infected and produce the resin, and the wood must be carefully harvested and processed to preserve its fragrance and medicinal properties.
Agarwood is used in many different industries, including perfumery, aromatherapy, and traditional medicine. It is believed to have a wide range of health benefits, including relieving stress, reducing inflammation, and improving digestion.
Due to its rarity and high demand, agarwood can cost up to $30,000 to $40,000 per board foot. It is a luxury item that is often reserved for the most exclusive and high-end markets. If you are lucky enough to own a piece of agarwood, you are truly in possession of one of the world’s most precious and valuable woods.
5. Ebony
If you’re looking for a luxurious and exotic wood, ebony is a great option. This extremely dense African black wood has been in use since the times of the Ancient Egyptians and Ancient Greeks. It is one of the most popular woods for luxury items.
Ebony is known for its deep black color, which makes it a popular choice for musical instruments, furniture, and decorative items. It is also very durable and resistant to wear and tear, making it a great choice for items that will be used frequently.
However, ebony is also one of the most expensive woods in the world, with a price tag of up to $10,000 per kilogram. This high cost is due to its rarity and the difficulty of harvesting and processing the wood.
Despite its high price, ebony remains a popular choice for those who want to add a touch of luxury to their homes or collections. If you’re interested in purchasing ebony, be prepared to pay a premium price for this beautiful and exotic wood.
6. Lignum Vitae
Lignum Vitae is a rare and expensive wood that is famous for its durability and strength. It is also known as “Tree of Life” because of its medicinal properties. The wood is native to the Caribbean and the northern coast of South America.
Lignum Vitae is a dense and heavy wood that is difficult to work with. It has a beautiful greenish-brown color and a distinctive oily texture. The wood is used for making bearings, bushings, and pulleys for machinery. It is also used for making mallet heads, chisel handles, and other small wooden objects.
The price of Lignum Vitae varies depending on its quality and availability. The wood is very rare and difficult to find, which makes it one of the most expensive woods in the world. The price per board foot of Lignum Vitae can range from $25 to $40.
If you are looking for a wood that is strong, durable, and beautiful, Lignum Vitae is a great choice. However, due to its high price, it may not be the best option for everyone.
7. Dalbergia
Dalbergia is a genus of hardwood trees native to tropical regions of the world, including Africa, Asia, and South America. The wood from these trees is highly valued for its beauty, durability, and unique properties.
One of the most expensive woods in the world is Dalbergia melanoxylon, also known as African Blackwood. It is a dense and dark wood that is prized for its rich color and fine grain. African Blackwood is often used to make musical instruments, such as clarinets and oboes, as well as high-end furniture and decorative objects.
Another type of Dalbergia wood that is highly sought after is Dalbergia retusa, also known as Cocobolo. This wood is native to Central America and is prized for its distinct coloration, which ranges from reddish-brown to deep orange with black streaks. Cocobolo is commonly used for knife handles, gun grips, and other small decorative objects.
Dalbergia wood is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to decay, making it a popular choice for outdoor furniture and decking. However, due to its high cost and limited availability, it is often used sparingly and only for the most high-end projects.
8. Bubinga
Bubinga is a hardwood that is mainly found in Africa. The wood is known for its high density, strength, and durability. It is also known for its unique reddish-brown color and attractive grain patterns.
Bubinga is a popular choice for making furniture, cabinets, and decorative veneers. It is also used for musical instruments such as guitars, drums, and pianos.
The cost of Bubinga wood ranges from $12 to $20 per board foot. The price may vary depending on the quality, size, and availability of the wood. It is considered to be one of the more affordable exotic hardwoods on the market.
When purchasing Bubinga wood, it is important to make sure it is sourced from a sustainable and legal source. Illegal logging and trade of Bubinga wood have caused environmental and social problems in some African countries.
Overall, Bubinga wood is a great choice for those who want a durable and attractive hardwood without breaking the bank.
9. Cocobolo
Cocobolo, also known as Dalbergia retusa, is a luxurious tropical hardwood that grows in Central America. It is one of the most expensive woods in the world, known for its unique color and grain pattern. The wood is a rich, reddish-brown color with irregular black or dark brown streaks, which is what gives it its distinctive appearance.
Cocobolo is highly prized for its durability, density, and natural resistance to decay. It is commonly used in the manufacture of high-end furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items. The wood is also favored by knife makers and gunsmiths for its ability to hold a sharp edge and withstand heavy use.
Due to its rarity and high demand, cocobolo can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $30 to $50 per board foot. However, the wood’s beauty and durability make it a worthwhile investment for those who value quality and craftsmanship.
If you are looking for a luxurious and unique wood for your next project, consider cocobolo. Its rich color and distinctive grain pattern are sure to make a statement and add a touch of elegance to any space.
10. Snakewood
Snakewood is a rare and exotic hardwood that comes from South America and is known for its unique snakeskin pattern. The wood is straight-grained with a fine texture and has a muted light yellow, orange, or red-tinted brown underlying base color. The wood is extremely dense, so much so that it can be brittle and difficult to work with.
As one of the most aesthetically unique exotic woods in the world, snakewood is highly sought after by woodworkers and artisans alike. However, due to its rarity and difficulty in harvesting and processing, it is also one of the most expensive woods in the world, with prices ranging from $150 to $300 per board foot depending on quality, size, availability, and market demand.
If you’re planning to purchase snakewood, it’s important to buy from a reputable supplier to ensure that you’re getting a quality product. While it may be tempting to try to save money by purchasing from an unknown source, you run the risk of receiving a subpar product that may not meet your expectations.
Overall, snakewood is a beautiful and unique wood that is sure to make a statement in any project. While it may be expensive, its rarity and beauty make it a worthwhile investment for those looking to create something truly special.
11. Ziricote
Ziricote is a rare and exotic wood that comes from Central America, primarily Mexico. It is known for its striking appearance, with a dark brown color and black streaks that create a unique pattern. Ziricote is also known for its durability and strength, making it a popular choice for furniture and musical instruments.
The price of Ziricote varies depending on the quality and availability of the wood. On average, it can cost between $25 and $30 per board foot. However, some high-quality Ziricote can cost up to $100 per board foot.
One of the reasons why Ziricote is so expensive is because it is difficult to find. The tree is not very common, and it can take a long time to grow to maturity. Additionally, the process of harvesting and processing Ziricote is labor-intensive, which adds to its cost.
Despite its high price, Ziricote is a popular choice for those looking for a unique and durable wood. Its distinctive appearance and strength make it a great choice for furniture, flooring, and musical instruments. If you’re willing to pay the price, Ziricote is definitely worth considering for your next woodworking project.
12. Holly
Holly wood is a rare and expensive type of wood that is known for its fine texture and smooth finish. It is a popular choice for furniture, cabinetry, and decorative items due to its pale white color and uniform grain pattern. Holly wood is also used for inlay work and carving due to its ability to take a fine detail.
Holly wood is harvested from the Holly tree, which is native to North America and Europe. The tree is slow-growing and can take up to 50 years to reach maturity. This makes Holly wood a rare and valuable commodity.
The cost of Holly wood varies depending on the quality and availability. It can range from $10 to $20 per board foot, making it one of the more expensive types of wood available. However, the unique properties and beauty of Holly wood make it a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and quality materials.
Overall, Holly wood is a premium choice for those seeking a high-end look and feel for their projects. Its rarity and beauty make it a prized possession for woodworkers and collectors alike.
13. Koa
Koa wood is a rare and beautiful hardwood that is native to Hawaii. It is known for its unique grain patterns and rich, warm colors. Koa wood is often used in high-end furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items.
The cost of Koa wood ranges from $30 to $80 per board foot, depending on the quality and availability. It is one of the most expensive woods in the world due to its limited supply and high demand.
Koa wood has been used for centuries by Hawaiian artisans to create beautiful and functional objects. Its unique properties make it ideal for creating musical instruments, such as ukuleles and guitars, as well as furniture and decorative items.
If you are looking for a rare and beautiful wood that will add a touch of elegance to your home or office, Koa wood is an excellent choice. Its warm colors and unique grain patterns make it a favorite among collectors and designers alike.
14. Purpleheart
If you’re looking for a wood that’s both beautiful and durable, purpleheart is a great option. This wood is known for its vibrant purple color, which can deepen over time. It’s also incredibly strong and resistant to decay, making it ideal for outdoor furniture and decking.
One of the reasons purpleheart is so expensive is that it’s difficult to work with. The wood is very hard and dense, which can make it challenging to cut and shape. However, with the right tools and techniques, it can be crafted into stunning pieces of furniture and other decorative items.
When it comes to price, purpleheart is typically sold by the board foot. The cost can vary depending on the quality of the wood and where you’re purchasing it from. On average, you can expect to pay around $12 per board foot for purpleheart.
Overall, if you’re willing to invest in a high-quality wood that’s both beautiful and durable, purpleheart is definitely worth considering. Whether you’re looking to build a deck, create a piece of furniture, or add some decorative accents to your home, this wood is sure to make a statement.
15. Macassar Ebony
Macassar ebony is a rare and exotic wood that comes from the Sulawesi island in Indonesia. It is known for its deep, rich black coloration, which is caused by the high concentration of melanin in the wood. This wood is one of the most expensive woods in the world, and it is highly sought after by woodworkers and furniture makers.
Macassar ebony is a dense and heavy wood, which makes it difficult to work with. However, its unique color and grain pattern make it a popular choice for high-end furniture, musical instruments, and decorative objects. The wood is also used in the production of luxury items such as jewelry boxes, chess sets, and high-end pens.
Macassar ebony is a slow-growing tree that is becoming increasingly rare due to over-harvesting and habitat loss. As a result, the price of this wood has been steadily increasing over the years. In general, macassar ebony 4/4 ranges in price from $50 to $65 per board foot.
If you are looking for a wood that is both beautiful and rare, macassar ebony is definitely worth considering. Its rich black color and unique grain pattern make it a standout choice for any woodworking project. However, due to its high price and limited availability, it should be used sparingly and with great care.
16. Brazilian Rosewood
You may have heard of Brazilian Rosewood, one of the most expensive woods in the world. This beautiful wood is highly prized for its unique and rich colors, which range from dark brown to purple, with streaks of red and orange.
Brazilian Rosewood is also known for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for high-end furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items. However, due to over-harvesting and illegal logging, Brazilian Rosewood is now highly restricted and difficult to find.
The density of Brazilian Rosewood is also noteworthy, with a dried piece of lumber weighing close to 5 pounds per board foot. Its weight is so heavy that it will barely float in water.
If you are lucky enough to come across Brazilian Rosewood, be prepared to pay a high price. With an estimated price of $70 per board foot, it is one of the most expensive woods in the world. But for those who appreciate its unique beauty and durability, the cost may be worth it.
17. Amboyna Burl
If you’re looking for a wood that’s both rare and beautiful, Amboyna Burl is a great option. It’s one of the most expensive woods in the world, with a price tag of around $200 to $300 per board foot.
Amboyna Burl is not a distinct species, but rather a type of burl wood that comes from any of the Pterocarpus species. The most common species used for Amboyna Burl is Narra, but burl sections of Burma Padauk are also sold under the name Amboyna. The wood is named after Ambon Island in Indonesia, where much of the figured wood is believed to have been initially exported.
The wood has a unique and attractive grain pattern that is highly sought after by woodworkers and collectors. It’s commonly used for high-end veneers, musical instruments, and other decorative items. The wood is also prized for its durability and resistance to decay, making it a popular choice for outdoor furniture and decking.
Overall, Amboyna Burl is a great choice if you’re looking for a rare and beautiful wood that’s also highly durable. While it’s certainly not cheap, the unique qualities of this wood make it well worth the investment for those who appreciate fine craftsmanship and natural beauty.
18. Olivewood
If you’re looking for a unique and beautiful wood, olivewood is a great option. This wood comes from the olive tree, which is native to the Mediterranean region. The wood is known for its distinctive grain patterns, which range from straight to wavy to irregular.
Olivewood is a hardwood that is prized for its durability and resistance to decay. It is also a popular choice for carving and turning, as it is easy to work with and has a pleasant aroma when cut.
When it comes to price, olivewood is considered one of the more expensive woods, with a price range of $7 to $15 per board foot. This is due in part to the limited supply of the wood, as it can only be harvested from trees that are no longer producing fruit.
Overall, olivewood is a great choice for those looking for a unique and durable wood with a beautiful grain pattern. While it may be more expensive than some other woods, its unique qualities make it well worth the investment.
19. Black Palm
You may not have heard of Black Palm, but it is one of the most expensive woods in the world. It is a hardwood that comes from the palm tree species, and it is found in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.
Black Palm is known for its unique texture and pattern, which is created by the tree’s growth rings. It has a dark brown to black color with thin, light-colored streaks running through it. The wood is also very dense and heavy, making it difficult to work with.
Due to its rarity and the difficulty in harvesting and processing it, Black Palm can cost up to $15 per board foot. It is often used in high-end furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items.
Although Black Palm is not as well-known as some of the other expensive woods, it is a valuable and unique material that is highly sought after by those in the woodworking industry. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind wood for your next project, Black Palm may be worth considering.
20. Kingwood
Kingwood is a beautiful wood that comes from Brazil and is known for its unique purple hue. It’s a rare wood that is often used in high-end furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items.
Kingwood is one of the most expensive woods in the world and can cost up to $100 per board foot. The wood is highly sought after for its striking appearance and durability.
One of the reasons why Kingwood is so expensive is because it’s becoming increasingly rare. The trees that produce Kingwood are slow-growing and only found in certain regions of Brazil. This makes it difficult to obtain large quantities of the wood, which drives up the price.
Despite its high cost, Kingwood remains a popular choice for those who want to add a touch of luxury to their home or office. Its unique color and grain patterns make it a standout choice for any project.
If you’re looking for a wood that is both beautiful and rare, Kingwood is definitely worth considering. Just be prepared to pay a premium price for this exotic and luxurious wood.
