9 Most Expensive Types of Wood in the World

Here in this article we will provide details about expensive wood. Although wood has been used by humans for millions of years, the earliest wood sculpture that has been found dates from roughly 12,000 years ago. This ancient artefact, known as the Shigir Idol, illustrates the long-standing bond between people and wood, albeit it is not the first instance of wood being used by humans for construction. That honour belongs to the Clacton, a 400,000-year-old wood spear that was probably employed for hunting.

Wood has also been used to construct homes in more recent times, notably a two-story Swiss mansion built in the 13th century. Wood is now utilized for a variety of products, including furniture, musical instruments, housing, toys, and more. Although the material is typically very inexpensive, some varieties of wood continue to increase in price. These expensive woods are typically expensive because they are uncommon and endangered due to over consumption.

These are the wood species that are the priciest in the world.

• Cocobolo Wood

The price per pound of cocobolo, also called as Dalbergia retusa, can reach $9. Over consumption poses a threat to cocobolo, just like it does to other wood species on this list. The IUCN, a group that monitors the threat of extinction among various species, has designated the wood as Vulnerable.

Cocobolo is costly due to its vulnerability as well as the challenging harvesting process for the tree. A report claims that the wood needs to be harvested by hand in order for it to be sustainable, but some organisations contend that the tree is in too much danger for any harvesting to take place.

The price of this wood is typically very high, yet it is still available for purchase in many nations and online. One listing costs more than $560 for a 57-pound slab.

Did you know?

Due to its high oil content, cocobolo (also known as black rosewood) can occasionally make it challenging to utilise adhesive when dealing with the wood.

• Koa Wood

photo source: swoodwork.com

Koa wood is a typical component of the Hawaiian environment and plays a significant role in the culture of the islands. The wood itself is not in danger of extinction, but according to some sources, the harvesting operation has been poorly handled to the point where local artists are losing control over their trade.

Although costs can vary, this wood frequently sells for around $15 per board foot.

In the past, native Hawaiians made everything from canoes to swords out of koa. Since koa was so easily accessible on the islands, people frequently utilised it to fashion umeke bowls.

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Did you know?

The term “koa” is a good translation for “warrior.” The Acacia koa tree’s wood came to be associated with the word “koa” because Hawaiian warriors frequently used it to craft weapons.

• Holly Wood

photo source: hearnehardwoods.com

The “whitest” of all woods is commonly referred to as holly wood, also known as Ilex opaca. The wood is frequently used for furniture projects, such as making piano keys (in which case it is stained black).

Although holly trees are not in danger of extinction, dealers often mark up the price of the wood significantly. This pricey wood occasionally sells for up to $35 per board foot.

The Eastern United States is home to holly wood trees, which may grow up to 30 to 50 feet tall and have a trunk diameter of one to two feet.

Did you know?

This wood has a lot of knots but typically very little apparent grain. The material is still frequently used for decorative wood elements in goods like furniture and novelty items, despite the fact that working with it can be challenging.

• Ziricote

photo source: turningblanks.net

Ziricote may be bought simply for $70 per pound. The tree can grow as tall as 60 feet and is frequently seen in Central America and Mexico. This wood, also known as Cordia dodecandra, has a characteristic, wavy pattern and occasionally has a purplish hue.

Although not endangered, this wood is relatively scarce, which raises the cost.

The wood’s great density makes it easier to work with and a preferred material for musical instruments and wood furniture.

The distinctive grain pattern of ziricote also affects the cost of the wood. Despite having a comparable appearance to Brazilian Rosewood, ziricote is difficult to locate at a reasonable price that has the same look and feel.

Did you know?

According to some reports, ziricote is naturally resistant to rot and decay.

• Sandalwood

photo source: quintis.com.au

Indian sandalwood is perhaps one of the most adaptable timbers out there. The substance is frequently used as a spice in meals as well as for decorative carvings and scent additions.

Since many years, there has been a strong demand for sandalwood, which raises the cost. Since European traders sold the wood to Chinese Buddhist temples in the 19th century, the material has been traded internationally.

Sandalwood, which is also known as Santalum album, sells for more than $100 a pound.

Did you know?

Depending on a few qualities, sandalwood trees are occasionally categorised. The high oil content of one group of trees, called Plus Trees, may make it ideal for adding the plant’s distinctive scent to perfumes.

• Pink Ivory

photo source: wood-database.com

Pink ivory is very rare, so it gets pretty expensive.

This wood, also known as Berchemia zyheri, distinguishes out for its pink colour, which ranges from a brownish red to a vivid, almost neon pink. The unusual colour and scarcity of the wood both contribute significantly to its premium price.

How hard to come by is pink ivory? It’s one of the rarest timbers in the world, and because of stringent harvesting laws, it’s extremely difficult to locate in South Africa, where it originated.

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Did you know?

Despite being so rare, pink ivory isn’t listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

• Ebony

photo source: wood-database.com

Ebony is one of the most costly woods in the world, typically costing $100 a board foot. Ebony comes in a variety of varieties, but African ebony is one of the rarest. In actuality, during the last three generations, harvest exploitation has caused the population of African ebony trees to decline by 50%.

Ebony is a wood with a distinctively fine grain that is also renowned for its dark hue. Even while the wood is usually used to carve beautiful objects, some studies claim it also has medical uses, such as anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory characteristics. People with diabetes may benefit from the wood as well.

Did you know?

It seems that African ebony is really strong. Although it can withstand termites and other wood-boring insects, human-caused overharvesting is destroying the ebony tree population.

• Brazilian Rosewood

photo source: natureinbottle.com

Brazilian rosewood has an unbroken grain and a striking reddish colour. Because to harvesting restrictions brought on by the potential for endangerment, despite its popularity as a material for high-end furniture and musical instruments due to its stunning hue, this wood is quite expensive.

Brazilian rosewood frequently sells for more than $300 per pound, though this cost can increase. This is among expensive wood in the world.

Brazilian rosewood trees, also known as Dalbergia nigra, can reach heights of more than 100 feet. Interestingly, when chopped, the tree might emit a perfume resembling roses.

Did you know?

Brazilian rosewood is in danger due to overuse, but some woodworkers claim that some substitutes are just as lovely. According to one article, Brazilian and Bolivian rosewood are extremely similar.

• African Blackwood

photo source: bostonconservatory.berklee.edu

African Blackwood is the most expensive wood in the world.

This wood is the most expensive in the world, but it’s also one of the rarest, mostly because of excessive human use and habitat destruction. Thus, it is possible that soon the Dalbergia melanoxylon tree will become extinct.

African blackwood is not the same species as African ebony, despite having similarities. Although manufacturing musical instruments out of wood is a very common habit, overharvesting puts that activity in danger.

A cubic square metre of African blackwood can easily cost $13,000 due to its scarcity and restrictions on harvesting.

One of the most useful and plentiful resources in the world is wood. There are more than 100,000 different species of trees, and each one has distinct qualities of its own. While certain woods are more expensive than others, not all woods are made equal. Here are some of the priciest kinds of wood available worldwide:

1. Ebony: Ebony is a heavy, dark wood that is indigenous to tropical areas like India and Africa. It is regarded for its beauty and toughness and is one of the most expensive timbers in the world. Fine furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items frequently employ it.
2. Sandalwood: India, Indonesia, and the Pacific Islands are the original home of the fragrant wood known as sandalwood. It is used in perfumes, soaps, and other fragrances and is highly prized for its scent. One of the priciest woods in the world, sandalwood is also employed in conventional medicine.
3. Redwoods: The west coast of the United States is home to a kind of tree known as the redwood. They are among the world’s biggest and tallest trees and have a lifespan of more than 2,000 years. Redwoods are valued for their aesthetic appeal and toughness, and they are frequently used in building, furniture, and flooring.
4. Brazilian Rosewood: South American native Brazilian rosewood is a stunning and expensive wood. It is highly valued for its distinctive grain patterns and rich, deep colour. Fine furniture, musical instruments, and other pricey products are made from Brazilian rosewood.
5. Black Locust: Native to North America, the black locust tree species. For its power, sturdiness, and resistance to rot and insects, it is highly valued. Black locust is one of the most expensive woods in the world and is frequently used in building, furniture, and flooring.

These are some of the priciest kinds of wood in the world, to sum up. Each of these woods has distinctive qualities and is prized for its elegance, toughness, and adaptability. Whether you are looking for a new piece of furniture, a musical instrument, or just a decorative item, these woods are guaranteed to impress. This was all about expensive wood hope you like it.