It shouldn’t be pretty hard to understand that some wood types are literally way too expensive because they’re rare. It’s a simple equation. Sure, there could be some use of some specific type of wood, but other than that, most of them are just famous because they’re rare and they look unique. And if that has got you wondering like, which exactly are the most expensive woods in the world right now, then just keep on reading. Why? Well, we’re here to list them out in this post of the top 10 most expensive woods in the world today. Alright, here we go then.
1. African Blackwood
The first wood that we rate as the most expensive one ever in our list is African Blackwood, which is often referred to by its nickname – “the king of luxury timbers”, you know? Just to give you an idea of how it looks and why it is so expensive, well, this particular type of wood has a very fine grain and a prominently rich black color like no other wood and the price is extremely high: around $10,000 per cubic meter. And literally, no other type of wood in the world is anywhere nearly as expensive as this one, so that in itself is really impressive.
2. Pink Ivory
If you pay attention to the history and background of a lot of things, then you should certainly know that Pink Ivory was once a sacred wood that only African royalty was allowed to use. It is this very rare wood which has a color that ranges from a delightful pink to reddish, that costs, just like the African blackwood, up to $8,000 per cubic meter, which sure is super expensive. Just so you know though, its unique characteristics of having great durability and high resistance to decay make it popular with the luxury market.
3. Agarwood
When one hears about Agarwood, it is far from being just an ordinary piece of wood, rather it is more a feeling, and why’s that though? Well, for that, just know the fact that the perfume industry has given it the title of “liquid gold.” Which is not wrong at all. This type of wood doesn’t form on its own, it is only when the Aquilaria tree is infected by a specific mold. Therefore, it is one of the most expensive woods with its price of the finest grade reaching $7,000 per pound, and now you don’t need to wonder why. And just so you know, it is mostly found in Asia and the Middle East.
4. Sandalwood
Coming at number 4 is Sandalwood, and just so you know, for millennia, sandalwood has been regarded as one of the most delightful fragrant items in the world. Why’s that though? Well, this wood is much coveted for its tantalizing rich, deep aroma and costs around $25,000 per ton, which is not super expensive, but it is still not that cheap. To give you an idea of why it is always in demand, well, very smooth and fine-grained, the wood from sandal trees native to India and Australia is excellent for intricately carved and exclusive luxury items.
5. Ebony
Without a single doubt, Ebony is the color of mystery, the stark raven-black hue, paired with the super-densely affected material, the one that has sparked the ambition of the people of wealth for quite some time, and why’s that though? Well, just to give you a perspective on things, from the making of piano keys to the production of fine carvings, ebony has thus far been so costly (up to $10,000 per cubic meter) that it could hardly have any alternative, it is the hardest wood known to man, originating mainly from Africa and Asia.
6. Lignum Vitae
Next on the list is Lignum Vitae, you know, which has been known as the “tree of life” and boasts some unusual attributes, which distinguish it from the rest of the trees. To give a little bit more off, well, this timber has the unique ability to sink in water because of its outstanding density, and the fact that it self-lubricates makes it the historical choice for ship bearings, and that’s why it is kinda special and is at a price of $5,000 per cubic meter.
7. Brazilian Rosewood
Sure enough, in our opinion, you see, regarded as the “crown jewel” of all the woods, the Brazilian Rosewood is a species that you cannot do without if you are looking to create chic and luxurious statements, and why’s that though? Well, yes, it is well-known for its rich reddish-brown hue and delicate, gorgeous grain. With a price tag of $17,000 per cubic meter, the strict conservation laws, as well as the endangered status of this wood, are causes for its drastic global scarcity, and that’s why it is expensive.
8. Purpleheart
You see, on the face of it, Purpleheart looks just like any other hardwood, but when it gets exposed to sunlight, it metamorphoses into a pleasing-to-look-at purple shade and vibrant violet hue. Just to give you the price of it, well, usually found in Central and South America, the wood is worth $1,200 per cubic meter.
9. Snakewood
Next on the list, you see, Snakewood, which has a zigzag pattern, is one of the most valuable, exotic, and rare woods that you could possibly encounter. Being native to South America, its price is up to $2,500 per cubic meter. It is mainly used for small luxury items like violin bows and knife handles, and looking at it, you’ll soon realize why it is so expensive.
10. Bubinga
Last on the list, you see, there is Bubinga ($1,800 per cubic meter), the wood that features the most varied, vivid, and splashed with exquisite gnarled patterns that resemble effects like flame and waterfall thus it is the one that is considered by designers the most, which makes sense, doesn’t it. Not just that though, its popularity is warranted by reasons such as strength, durability, and water resistance in the making of guitars and luxurious furniture.
Conclusion
See, how mind-bogglingly expensive these woods were, right? And you wouldn’t even believe that there are people who actually buy these types of woods for different purposes. Anyway, our aim was to just list these wood types out, so, we hope that you liked the information we have provided.
Brandon is the cheif editor and writer at WorldUnfolds.com. With a passion for storytelling and a keen editorial eye, he crafts engaging content that captivates and enlightens readers worldwide.
