If you are wondering how much teak wood is, expect to pay around $18 to $30 per board foot for many retail teak lumber options, although premium, wide, long, or specially selected teak can cost considerably more. The exact price depends on the teak’s origin, quality, thickness, width, length, grain, and quantity purchased. Current U.S. teak lumber listings show prices around $18.60–$20.20 per board foot from one supplier, while other suppliers list plantation teak around $18.75–$27.20 per board foot depending on size and quantity.
How Much Is Teak Wood Per Board Foot?
Teak lumber is commonly sold by the board foot, which measures the volume of the wood rather than simply its length.
Based on current U.S. retail and specialty-lumber listings, a practical price range is:
| Teak Wood Type | Approximate Price Per Board Foot |
|---|---|
| Plantation teak | $18–$27 |
| Higher-quality teak | $20–$30+ |
| Wide or premium teak | $25–$40+ |
| Specialty or exceptionally premium teak | Can be considerably higher |
For example, Bell Forest Products currently lists 4/4 plantation teak at $25 per board foot for quantities below 10 board feet, dropping to $18.75 per board foot for purchases of 100–499 board feet. Its 8/4 plantation teak ranges from $27 down to $20.25 per board foot depending on quantity.
Wood Vendors lists plantation teak at roughly $19.25–$27.20 per board foot for larger-quantity purchases, depending on width and length.
What Is a Board Foot of Teak Wood?
A board foot is a standard measurement used when selling hardwood lumber.
1 board foot = 1 inch thick × 12 inches wide × 12 inches long.
The formula is:
Board Feet = Thickness (inches) × Width (inches) × Length (feet) ÷ 12
For example, an 8-foot-long teak board that is 1 inch thick and 6 inches wide contains:
1 × 6 × 8 ÷ 12 = 4 board feet
If teak costs $25 per board foot:
4 × $25 = $100
So, that particular board would cost approximately $100 before shipping or additional milling charges.
Teak Wood Price by Thickness
Thickness is another important factor when determining how much teak wood costs. Teak is commonly sold as 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, and other thicknesses.
| Teak Thickness | Approximate Rough Thickness | Typical Price Range |
|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | About 1 inch | $18–$30+ per board foot |
| 5/4 | About 1¼ inches | $20–$32+ per board foot |
| 6/4 | About 1½ inches | $20–$35+ per board foot |
| 8/4 | About 2 inches | $20–$35+ per board foot |
The price per board foot does not necessarily increase dramatically simply because a board is thicker. However, thicker, wider, clearer, and longer pieces may command higher prices because they can be harder to source.
For example, Bell Forest Products currently lists 4/4 plantation teak at $25 per board foot for small quantities and 8/4 plantation teak at $27 per board foot.
How Much Does a Teak Board Cost?
The total price of an individual teak board depends on its dimensions.
Suppose you want a teak board that is:
- 1 inch thick
- 8 inches wide
- 6 feet long
Its board footage is:
1 × 8 × 6 ÷ 12 = 4 board feet
At $20 per board foot:
4 × $20 = $80
At $25 per board foot:
4 × $25 = $100
At $30 per board foot:
4 × $30 = $120
Therefore, an 8-inch-wide, 6-foot-long teak board could cost approximately $80–$120, depending on the actual price per board foot.
What Affects the Price of Teak Wood?
Several factors can make teak wood more or less expensive.
1. Type and Origin of Teak
The source of the teak has a major effect on its price. Plantation teak is widely available from several regions and can be less expensive than particularly rare or premium teak.
Some specialty suppliers also sell teak marketed as Burmese or genuine teak. The origin, availability, and quality of the material can significantly affect the price.
Current U.S. listings show plantation teak commonly selling in the high-teens to high-$20s per board foot.
2. Grade and Quality
Higher-quality teak with attractive color, consistent grain, fewer defects, and good usable dimensions generally costs more.
Clear, straight, attractive boards are especially desirable for visible furniture and other projects where the appearance of the wood matters.
3. Width
Wide teak boards can be more expensive than narrow boards.
This is because wider, high-quality pieces can be harder to source, particularly when the board needs to remain relatively clear and straight.
Wood Vendors, for example, lists wider 4/4 plantation teak at a higher price than narrower short-width material.
4. Length
Long teak boards can also cost more because long, usable pieces are more difficult to obtain.
Teakwood To Go currently lists 4/4 teak in 6–9-foot lengths at about $18.60–$19.20 per board foot, depending on width.
5. Grain and Cut
The grain pattern and cut of teak can affect its price.
Quarter-sawn or vertical-grain teak can command a premium, particularly when it is selected for applications where grain appearance and dimensional performance are important.
6. Quantity Purchased
Buying more teak can reduce the price per board foot.
For example, Bell Forest Products lists 4/4 plantation teak at $25 per board foot for quantities under 10 board feet, compared with $18.75 per board foot for 100–499 board feet.
This means a larger project can sometimes have a substantially lower material cost per board foot.
How Much Is 10 Board Feet of Teak Wood?
If teak costs approximately $20–$30 per board foot, then:
| Price Per Board Foot | 10 Board Feet |
|---|---|
| $20 | $200 |
| $25 | $250 |
| $30 | $300 |
| $35 | $350 |
So, 10 board feet of teak wood may cost roughly $200–$300 at a $20–$30 per-board-foot price, before shipping and additional services.
How Much Is 100 Board Feet of Teak Wood?
For larger quantities, the price per board foot may decrease.
At different price levels:
| Price Per Board Foot | 100 Board Feet |
|---|---|
| $18 | $1,800 |
| $20 | $2,000 |
| $25 | $2,500 |
| $30 | $3,000 |
Current bulk listings demonstrate why buying larger quantities can reduce the unit price. Bell Forest Products, for example, lists plantation teak at $18.75 per board foot for 100–499 board feet.
Is Teak Wood Expensive?
Yes, teak wood is considered an expensive hardwood. Its price is significantly higher than many commonly available domestic hardwoods.
Current teak lumber listings commonly fall around $18–$30 or more per board foot, depending on the material and supplier.
Premium teak can cost substantially more when it has exceptional width, length, grain, grade, or other desirable characteristics.
The high price is one reason teak is generally chosen for projects where its particular qualities justify the additional material cost.
Why Is Teak Wood So Expensive?
Teak is expensive because high-quality lumber is valuable and the supply of desirable material is limited.
Its natural durability, attractive appearance, and suitability for demanding applications contribute to its value. Teak also contains natural oils that contribute to its performance in outdoor and moisture-prone environments.
The cost can increase further when the lumber is:
- Wide
- Long
- Clear
- Straight-grained
- Quarter-sawn
- High grade
- Kiln dried
- Surfaced or specially milled
Teak Wood Cost vs. Other Woods
Teak is generally positioned toward the expensive end of commonly available hardwood lumber.
| Wood | Approximate Price Per Board Foot |
|---|---|
| White Oak | $6–$10 |
| Sapele | $7–$12 |
| Genuine Mahogany | $12–$20 |
| Teak | $18–$30+ |
| Premium Teak | $30+ |
These are broad comparison ranges, and actual prices vary considerably by supplier, grade, dimensions, and location. A current lumber-price guide places teak around $30–$60 per board foot as a broader planning range, illustrating how much prices can vary between suppliers and grades.
Is Teak Wood Worth the Price?
For projects that specifically benefit from teak’s durability, appearance, and natural resistance to moisture and decay, teak can be worth its higher price.
However, if the project does not require teak’s particular characteristics, a less expensive hardwood may provide better value.
The best choice depends on the project’s requirements and your budget.
Final Answer: How Much Is Teak Wood?
So, how much is teak wood?
Teak lumber typically costs around $18–$30 per board foot for many current U.S. retail and specialty-lumber options. Plantation teak can be found toward the lower end of this range, while premium, wide, long, or specially selected teak can cost more.
For a rough budget:
- 10 board feet: about $180–$300
- 50 board feet: about $900–$1,500
- 100 board feet: about $1,800–$3,000
Your actual cost will depend on the teak’s quality, origin, dimensions, grain, quantity, supplier, and shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much is teak wood per board foot?
Teak wood commonly costs about $18–$30 per board foot, although premium teak can cost more depending on quality, dimensions, grain, and origin.
2. Is teak wood expensive?
Yes. Teak is generally considered an expensive hardwood because high-quality teak lumber commands a premium price compared with many common hardwoods.
3. How much does 10 board feet of teak cost?
At $18–$30 per board foot, 10 board feet would cost approximately $180–$300, before shipping and additional milling costs.
4. How much does 100 board feet of teak cost?
At $18–$30 per board foot, 100 board feet would cost approximately $1,800–$3,000. Larger purchases may qualify for lower per-board-foot pricing.
5. Why is teak wood so expensive?
Teak is expensive because of its desirable durability, appearance, natural resistance to moisture and decay, and the value of high-quality lumber. Width, length, grade, grain, and availability can also increase its price.
6. Is plantation teak cheaper?
Plantation teak can be less expensive than some premium teak, although prices still vary based on quality, dimensions, supplier, and quantity.
7. Does teak thickness affect its price?
Yes. Thickness can affect the total cost and sometimes the price per board foot. Thicker and larger pieces may be more expensive, particularly when they are high quality and difficult to source.
8. Can I buy teak wood by the board foot?
Yes. Teak lumber is commonly sold and priced by the board foot, especially through specialty hardwood suppliers.
9. Does buying teak in bulk reduce the price?
Often, yes. Some suppliers provide quantity discounts, so the price per board foot can decrease when purchasing larger amounts.
10. What is the cheapest way to buy teak wood?
Buying standard-sized plantation teak in larger quantities and comparing several specialty lumber suppliers can help reduce the price per board foot.