10 Most Expensive Wood in the World

To determine whether a wood is pricey or not, one does not need to be an expert. There are a number of elements that influence the value of wood, but the most important is its scarcity. Africa and India are fortunate in that they have access to the most expensive timbers.

Aside from the test of exceptionality, durability, usability, and resistance of wood, the more difficult it is to work with the wood, the higher the price.

The ten most costly woods on the planet are listed below.

1. Bubinga

Bubinga shares many of the same features as Honduras Rosewood. Because of this, it is also known as African Rosewood. This wood is mostly found in Western African countries like Congo, Angola, and Gabon. It is flexible in that it may be used to manufacture furniture, joinery, decorative paneling, and flooring. Tung may also change the color of it to various shades of red. Bubinga is less expensive than the other woods on this list, with a board-foot costing roughly $19.

2. Ebony

This wood is known for its stunning black color and is undeniably durable and long-lasting. Some materials, like as knives, comb musical instruments, and mugs, have it. Ebony is one of the rarest types of wood, found only in Africa, and costs upwards of $10,000 per kilogram.

3. Violet Wood

Violet wood is unique in that it can only be found in Central America, adding to its value. It starts out brown, but as it is chopped down and exposed to light, it progressively turns violet or purple.

It takes a lot of effort to work with it, even if you merely want to flatten it. That's why, in order to turn Violet Wood into a work of art, you'll need the correct equipment. It is extremely pricey, with prices ranging from $10 to $40. However, because this wood is both robust and water-resistant, its cost is justified.

4. Cocobolo

The uneven lines and reddish-brown or orange tint of cocobolo are well-known. People mainly use its heartwood because of its features, which include the ability to change color after being chopped down. Because this wood is weather resistant, it is ideal for producing furniture, musical instruments, and other items. Aside from its stunning beauty, this wood is also recognized for its fragrant scent. Cocobolo costs roughly $600 per square foot. This wood is similarly difficult to come by, as it is only found in Central America and Mexico.

5. Dalbergia

It is difficult to obtain the most expensive variety of this wood because it is found in India's deep forest. Working with it necessitates exceptional abilities. Finding someone who can do it, on the other hand, is like looking for a needle in a haystack. A foot of Dalbergia costs at least $16 due to these factors. When it comes to furniture, this wood shines. If you want a less expensive version, you can find one in Brazil.

6. Indian Sandalwood

The cost of a ton of this wood ranges from $35,000 to $85,000. It is regarded as one of the most valuable woods on the planet. Sandalwood from India can be found in the Philippines, China, India, Australia, and Indonesia, and it comes in a variety of colors, including dark grey, brown, and red. Furniture and carvings are the most common uses for this wood. The excellent thing about this wood is that it's rare and long-lasting. Unfortunately, due to uncontrolled and illegal collection, this sort of wood is becoming increasingly scarce. The good news is that several governments are taking steps to safeguard this tree. In order to protect this wood, India, for example, prohibits its export.

7. Agarwood

Agarwood, which costs $100 a kg, is considered one of the most expensive natural commodities on the planet, according to World Atlas. Myanmar, Laos, Thailand, the Himalayas, and North India are all home to this tree. This wood is special in that it becomes most expensive when it becomes afflicted with a certain type of mold. As a result, the color of the wood changes and the distinctive odor of the wood emerges. When it comes to the imports of the abovementioned timber, Saudi Arabia and Indonesia are the market leaders. In addition, the oil derived from agarwood is employed in medicinal and religious rituals in a variety of countries.

8. Lignum Vitae

The lignum vitae plant is native to South and Central America. Unlike other types of wood, which are sold by the piece, this wood is sold by the pound. This is one among the world's heaviest woods, and a pound of it costs around $5. This may appear to be inexpensive, but making your craft would require many pounds of Lignum Vitae, making it costly.

9. Pink Ivory

Pink Ivory was once only available to Zulu Kings. Those who attempted to utilize it were sentenced to death. Several experts now say that this wood is rarer than diamonds. South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe are all home to this species. Although the penalty for using this wood has been lifted, it is still available for purchase at a cost of $10,000 per kilogram, indicating that having it is a luxury. Pink Ivory, as its name suggests, comes in various tints of pink. This wood is mostly used for carving, knife handles, and billiard cues, among other things.

10. African Black Wood

When owned, it costs anywhere from $9,000 to at least $13,000 per ton. This type of wood is found in Senegal, South Africa, and Eritrea, and is considered one of the most valuable and uncommon woods on the planet. Some instruments, such as the guitar and clarinet, benefit greatly from the usage of African Black Wood. However, because of illicit logging and global warming, this wood is now listed on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and may go extinct.