Some woods command high prices for their striking grain, rich color, or exceptional durability. Others are expensive because suitable timber is scarce, difficult to source, or available only in small sizes. For these woods, appearance and rarity can matter just as much as strength.
The price of wood depends on more than the species. A board’s size, grade, condition, and origin all affect its value, along with processing and transportation costs. Overharvesting and habitat loss have also reduced the availability of some prized species, while trade restrictions can limit their legal supply.
Below, we explore 14 of the world’s most expensive wood species, what makes them valuable, and their common uses. Prices vary by seller and location, so this list is a guide rather than a fixed global ranking.
African Blackwood ($100+/board foot)
African blackwood is a dense, dark hardwood prized for musical instruments and detailed decorative work. Also called grenadilla or mpingo, it grows in parts of Africa, including Tanzania and Mozambique. Slow growth and limited supplies of clear, usable timber contribute to its high value.
Price: Selected pieces can exceed $100 per board foot. For example, Bell Forest Products lists a 4-1/16 × 8-5/8 × 9-1/16-inch piece for $400, equivalent to approximately $181 per board foot based on its listed dimensions. This is an individual retail example, not a standard lumber price.
Appearance: The heartwood ranges from dark brown or purplish-black to almost completely black. Its fine texture gives polished surfaces a smooth appearance.
Uses: Clarinets, oboes, instrument components, inlays, knife handles and decorative turnings. It is more practical for small, valuable components than large furniture panels.
Workability: Its hardness makes cutting and machining demanding, and tools can dull quickly. However, it is highly valued for turning and precise detail work.
| Property | African Blackwood |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Dalbergia melanoxylon |
| Approximate dried weight | 75–79 lb/ft³ (1,200–1,270 kg/m³) |
| Janka hardness | Approximately 3,670 lbf |
| Texture | Fine and even |
| Common trade names | Grenadilla, mpingo |
African Blackwood Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rich, dark appearance with a fine texture.
- Durable heartwood with good decay resistance.
- Well suited to intricate turned components.
Cons
- Expensive, especially in larger, defect-free sizes.
- Very hard and demanding on cutting tools.
- Working dust can cause irritation or allergic reactions; effective dust control is important.
Pink Ivory
Pink ivory is a southern African hardwood best known for its naturally pink heartwood. Its unusual color makes it desirable for small decorative projects, where even a modest piece can stand out.
Price: There is no fixed $70–$80-per-board-foot ceiling. For example, Bell Forest Products lists a 2-7/16 × 5 × 37-15/16-inch board for $301.25, equivalent to approximately $94 per board foot. Other selected boards cost considerably more. Color, dimensions and condition affect the asking price.
Appearance: Colors range from muted pink to vivid reddish-pink. Not every board has the same intensity, and the color can change as the wood ages.
Uses: Pens, knife handles, pool cue components, jewelry boxes, chess pieces and other decorative turnings.
Workability: Pink ivory is hard and dense, making it challenging to cut and shape. Sharp tools and careful cutting help produce a smooth surface that polishes well.
| Property | Pink Ivory |
|---|---|
| Botanical name commonly used in the timber trade | Berchemia zeyheri |
| Approximate dried weight | 65 lb/ft³ (1,035 kg/m³) |
| Janka hardness | Approximately 3,230 lbf |
| Grain | Straight to interlocked |
| Origin | Southern Africa |
Pink Ivory Pros and Cons
Pros
- Distinctive natural pink color.
- Hard, durable wood suitable for small decorative objects.
- Takes a smooth, polished finish.
Cons
- Strongly colored, clear pieces can be expensive.
- Hardness makes machining more demanding.
- Color varies between pieces and may change over time.
Ebony Wood
Ebony wood is prized for its dark appearance, fine texture and exceptional hardness. However, ebony is not a single species. Different Diospyros species produce timber with different colors, properties and prices.
Gaboon ebony is a familiar example, valued for its nearly black heartwood and use in musical instruments.
Price: Premium ebony can cost considerably more than $60–$80 per board foot. For example, Bell Forest Products lists a Gaboon ebony piece measuring 15/16 × 1-5/8 × 31-1/2 inches for $69.80—approximately $209 per board foot based on its dimensions. This is a selected-piece retail price, not a universal rate.
Appearance: Gaboon ebony is typically black or dark brown. Other ebonies can have prominent contrasting streaks, so not all ebony is uniformly black.
Uses: Guitar fingerboards, traditional black piano keys, knife handles, decorative inlays, turnings and furniture accents.
Workability: Its density makes cutting demanding. Sharp tools help, while natural oils can complicate gluing.
| Property | Gaboon Ebony |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Diospyros crassiflora |
| Approximate dried weight | 63 lb/ft³ (1,000 kg/m³) |
| Janka hardness | Approximately 3,080 lbf |
| Texture | Fine and even |
Ebony Wood Pros and Cons
Pros
- Distinctive dark appearance.
- Hard, wear-resistant surface.
- Polishes smoothly.
Cons
- Expensive in clear, usable sizes.
- Demanding on tools.
- Dust may cause irritation or sensitization.
Brazilian Rosewood
Brazilian rosewood is a valuable hardwood known for its rich colors, dark streaks and long association with fine guitars. Native to Brazil, it is increasingly difficult to source legally, making it a specialist material rather than an everyday woodworking choice.
Price: Brazilian rosewood is often sold as individual blanks, veneers or instrument sets rather than ordinary lumber. For example, American Tonewood lists a fretboard blank described as pre-1970 stock for $295. That is the price of one blank—not one board foot—and should not be treated as a general market rate.
Appearance: The heartwood includes shades of brown, red and violet, often marked by dark brown or black streaks. Pale sapwood provides a strong contrast.
Uses: Guitar backs and sides, fingerboards, decorative veneers, fine furniture, restoration work and small turned objects.
Workability: Brazilian rosewood machines and veneers well, but its oily surface requires care when gluing. It is not simply an “easy-to-work” wood in every situation.
| Property | Brazilian Rosewood |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Dalbergia nigra |
| Approximate air-dried weight | 47–56 lb/ft³ (752–897 kg/m³) |
| Texture | Coarse |
| Grain | Generally straight, sometimes irregular |
| Natural durability | High heartwood resistance to fungal and insect attack |
These characteristics are described in the USDA Wood Handbook. Individual boards vary, and natural durability does not make the wood waterproof.
Brazilian Rosewood Pros and Cons
Pros
- Rich color and distinctive grain.
- Hard, naturally durable heartwood.
- Suitable for fine veneers and detailed components.
Cons
- High prices and limited availability.
- Oily surfaces require careful adhesive preparation.
- Strict international trade restrictions complicate sourcing.
Buying note: Brazilian rosewood is listed in CITES Appendix I. International commercial trade is generally prohibited, although qualifying pre-Convention material may be eligible for exceptions with appropriate documentation. A seller’s “old stock” description alone does not establish eligibility. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service guidance
Cocobolo Wood
Cocobolo is a dense, colorful hardwood valued for musical instruments, decorative turnings and fine furniture details. Its striking grain and rich colors make even small pieces attractive.
Price: Cocobolo prices vary considerably by size and grade. For example, Bell Forest Products lists a 6 × 6 × 2-inch blank for $67, equivalent to $134 per board foot. This is a prepared-blank retail price, not a standard rate for rough lumber.
Appearance: The heartwood combines orange, red, yellow and brown tones, often with dark streaks.
Uses: Guitar components, knife handles, pens, pool cues, decorative boxes and furniture accents.
Workability: Cocobolo turns and machines well with sharp tools, but its density dulls cutting edges. Natural oils can interfere with adhesives and finishes, so testing on scrap is important.
| Property | Cocobolo |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Dalbergia retusa |
| Approximate dried weight | 68–69 lb/ft³ (1,090–1,100 kg/m³) |
| Janka hardness | Approximately 2,960 lbf (13,170 N) |
| Origin | Central America |
| Texture | Fine and even |
Cocobolo Wood Pros and Cons
Pros
- Distinctive colors and grain.
- Naturally decay-resistant heartwood.
- Takes a smooth polish.
Cons
- Expensive in larger, clear pieces.
- Oily surfaces complicate gluing.
- Dust can cause sensitization and skin or respiratory irritation; effective dust control is essential.
Koa Wood
Koa wood is a Hawaiian hardwood prized for its warm colors and shimmering grain. Highly figured koa can display a rippled, almost three-dimensional appearance, making it especially desirable for instruments and decorative furniture.
However, not all koa belongs in the highest price category. Plain-grained boards generally cost less than carefully selected curly or instrument-grade material.
Price: Kamuela Hardwoods lists koa at $25–$125+ per board foot. Grade, figure, width and condition affect the price, so $100 should not be presented as an upper limit. View supplier pricing
Appearance: Koa ranges from golden brown to reddish or darker brown. Some boards have relatively straight grain, while others show pronounced curl or waves.
Uses: Ukuleles, guitars, furniture, cabinetry, veneers, bowls, carvings and decorative boxes.
Workability: Straight-grained koa is generally pleasant to cut, turn and finish. Highly figured sections require greater care because changing grain direction can cause tear-out.
| Property | Koa |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Acacia koa |
| Approximate dried weight | 38 lb/ft³ (610 kg/m³) |
| Janka hardness | Approximately 1,170 lbf (5,200 N) |
| Native range | Hawaiian Islands |
| Texture | Medium to coarse |
These are reference values; individual boards vary. Koa properties
Koa Wood Pros and Cons
Pros
- Warm colors and attractive natural figure.
- Generally good turning and finishing qualities.
- Suitable for furniture and musical instruments.
Cons
- Highly figured, wide boards can be expensive.
- Curly grain is more challenging to machine.
- Less resistant to dents than very hard woods such as cocobolo.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is valuable mainly for its fragrant heartwood and aromatic oil, rather than its appearance or structural strength. Several species belong to the Santalum genus, with Indian sandalwood (Santalum album) among the best known.
Indian sandalwood is not extinct. It is still grown and traded, including plantation-grown material. Kew records its IUCN conservation status as Vulnerable.
Price: Sandalwood is usually sold by weight, but prices depend heavily on species, heartwood quality, oil content and product form. For example, Soul Space lists Australian-grown Santalum album heartwood chips at $12 for ½ ounce, approximately 14 grams. This small-pack retail price is not directly comparable with bulk timber prices.
Appearance: The heartwood is generally yellowish to golden brown, with a relatively understated grain.
Uses: Incense, carved ornaments, beads and decorative objects. Oil distilled from the heartwood is used in perfumes and cosmetics.
Workability: Sandalwood is valued for carving and fine detail. Calling it unsuitable for furniture simply because it is “weak” is misleading; cost and the availability of suitable pieces are more relevant limitations.
| Property | Indian Sandalwood |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Santalum album |
| Main source of value | Fragrant heartwood and essential oil |
| Typical selling units | Grams or kilograms |
| Common product forms | Heartwood pieces, chips, powder and carvings |
Sandalwood Pros and Cons
Pros
- Distinctive, long-lasting heartwood fragrance.
- Suitable for detailed carvings and decorative objects.
- Valuable for perfumery and incense production.
Cons
- High-quality heartwood can be expensive.
- Species and product quality vary significantly.
- Chips, sapwood, heartwood and extracted oil should not be compared as equivalent products.
Purpleheart Wood
Purpleheart wood is a hard, heavy tropical hardwood known for its naturally purple heartwood. It comes from several Peltogyne species native to Central and South America.
Although visually unusual, ordinary purpleheart lumber is considerably more affordable than woods such as ebony and Brazilian rosewood.
Price: Bell Forest Products lists standard 4/4 Select & Better purpleheart at $14.50 per board foot for purchases below 10 board feet, with quantity discounts available. This does not support a general price estimate of $40–$50 per board foot.
Appearance: Freshly cut surfaces may look brownish before developing a stronger purple tone. With prolonged exposure to light and air, the wood can become darker and browner.
Uses: Furniture, flooring, decorative inlays, turnings, carvings and pool cue components.
Workability: Purpleheart is moderately difficult to machine. Its density dulls cutters, and heat from dull tools can cause gummy resin to build up. Sharp cutting edges and controlled machining are important.
| Property | Purpleheart |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Peltogyne species |
| Approximate dried weight | 58 lb/ft³ (930 kg/m³) |
| Janka hardness | Approximately 2,520 lbf (11,210 N) |
| Origin | Central and South America |
Purpleheart Wood Pros and Cons
Pros
- Distinctive natural purple color.
- Hard, strong and wear-resistant.
- Heartwood has good natural decay resistance.
Cons
- Color changes over time.
- Heavy and demanding on cutting tools.
- Heat-related resin buildup can complicate machining.
Bubinga Wood
Bubinga is a hard, heavy African hardwood valued for its reddish color, strength and decorative grain. Highly figured pieces are particularly desirable for furniture and veneers, although ordinary boards are much less expensive than some woods on this list.
Price: Bell Forest Products lists selected bubinga lumber at $22.50–$23.50 per board foot for purchases below 10 board feet, depending on thickness. These are supplier examples, not a fixed market range.
Appearance: Bubinga ranges from pinkish-red to reddish-brown, often with darker streaks. Some pieces display striking waterfall, quilted or mottled patterns.
Uses: Tables, cabinetry, decorative veneers, musical instruments, bowls and other turned objects.
Workability: Straight-grained pieces generally machine well with sharp tools. Interlocked or highly figured grain can cause tear-out, while the wood’s density makes cutting more demanding. Bubinga turns and finishes well.
| Property | Bubinga |
|---|---|
| Scientific names | Guibourtia demeusei, G. pellegriniana and G. tessmannii |
| Approximate dried weight | 55 lb/ft³ (880 kg/m³) |
| Janka hardness | Approximately 2,410 lbf (10,720 N) |
| Origin | Tropical Africa |
| Grain | Straight, interlocked or figured |
Physical properties vary between species and individual boards.
Bubinga Wood Pros and Cons
Pros
- Hard and resistant to everyday wear.
- Rich color and attractive figure.
- Suitable for furniture, veneers and turning.
Cons
- Heavy, especially in large solid pieces.
- Figured grain can be difficult to machine.
- Sourcing requires attention to legality and traceability.
Sourcing note: The three bubinga species listed above are included in CITES Appendix II, which regulates international trade. This does not automatically make every piece illegal or unsustainably sourced. Ask the supplier about its origin and applicable documentation rather than relying on a general “sustainable” claim.
Bocote Wood
Bocote is a decorative tropical hardwood best known for its bold, contrasting grain. Its golden-brown background and dark markings make it popular for small projects where the wood itself provides the decoration.
It is associated with Mexico and Central America and is sold under the names of several Cordia species.
Price: Bell Forest Products lists 4/4 bocote shorts at $37.50 per board foot and 5/4 live-edge material at $40 per board foot for purchases below 10 board feet. Size, grade and quantity affect the final price.
Appearance: Bocote typically has a yellowish- to golden-brown background with dark brown or nearly black streaks. Curved lines, swirls and eye-like patterns give individual pieces considerable character.
Uses: Knife handles, pens, decorative boxes, furniture accents, veneers, musical instruments and turned objects.
Workability: Bocote is generally manageable with hand and machine tools despite its density. Irregular or interlocked grain can cause tear-out, so sharp tools and careful cutting are important.
| Property | Bocote |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Cordia species |
| Approximate dried weight | Around 50 lb/ft³ (800 kg/m³) |
| Janka hardness | Approximately 2,010 lbf (8,940 N) |
| Texture | Medium |
| Distinctive feature | Dark streaks and swirling grain |
Bocote Wood Pros and Cons
Pros
- Bold, decorative grain patterns.
- Hard and suitable for frequently handled objects.
- Generally turns and finishes well.
Cons
- Relatively expensive for larger projects.
- Irregular grain can complicate machining.
- Strong differences between boards can make matching parts difficult.
Black Ironwood
Black ironwood is an exceptionally dense hardwood known for its hardness and natural decay resistance. The species discussed here is Krugiodendron ferreum, found in southern Florida, the Caribbean and parts of Mexico and Central America.
The name “ironwood” is used for several unrelated trees, so checking the scientific name is important when buying.
Price: Reliable current retail pricing is difficult to establish. Request a quote for correctly identified timber rather than assuming a standard price per board foot.
Appearance: Despite its name, black ironwood is not necessarily black. Its heartwood ranges from orange-brown to dark brown, with lighter sapwood.
Uses: Small turned objects, tool components and specialty woodworking. Its weight and demanding workability make it less practical for large furniture projects.
Workability: Its extreme hardness makes cutting and shaping difficult, but it can take a high polish. The Florida Urban Forestry Council notes its use in tools and its appeal to woodturners.
| Property | Black Ironwood |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Krugiodendron ferreum |
| Other common name | Leadwood |
| Main characteristic | Exceptional hardness and density |
| Typical tree height | Around 25–35 ft (8–11 m), sometimes shrubby |
| Heartwood color | Orange-brown to dark brown |
Black Ironwood Pros and Cons
Pros
- Very hard and resistant to indentation.
- Naturally decay-resistant.
- Can produce a smooth, polished surface.
Cons
- Difficult to cut and shape.
- Extremely heavy.
- Reliable timber availability and pricing can be difficult to establish.
Ziricote Wood
Ziricote is a decorative hardwood prized for dark, intricate grain patterns that can resemble landscapes or spiderwebs. Native to Mexico and Central America, it is particularly attractive in instrument sets, veneers and small decorative pieces.
Price: Cost depends on dimensions, figure and product form. For example, Bell Forest Products lists a 1½ × 1½ × 4-inch blank for $6, equivalent to $96 per board foot based on its dimensions. This is a small prepared-blank price—not a general rate for rough lumber.
Appearance: The heartwood is usually brown to dark brown with nearly black markings. Pale sapwood can provide a contrasting border.
Uses: Guitar backs and sides, decorative veneers, furniture accents, knife handles, pens and turned objects.
Workability: Ziricote generally works well with sharp tools and polishes attractively. However, changing grain direction requires care during machining.
| Property | Ziricote |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Cordia dodecandra |
| Approximate dried weight | 50 lb/ft³ (805 kg/m³) |
| Janka hardness | Approximately 1,970 lbf (8,760 N) |
| Grain | Straight or interlocked |
| Distinctive feature | Dark, landscape-like markings |
Ziricote Wood Pros and Cons
Pros
- Striking natural grain.
- Turns and polishes well.
- Suitable for decorative details and instrument components.
Cons
- Matching strongly patterned pieces can be difficult.
- Defects reduce usable material in expensive blanks.
- Interlocked grain requires careful machining.
Holly Wood
Holly wood is one of the whitest woods available, making it especially valuable for decorative inlays and detailed woodworking. American holly (Ilex opaca) is native to the eastern United States.
Its appeal comes from its pale color and fine texture rather than dramatic grain patterns. However, finding long, clear boards can be difficult because holly trees have numerous branches.
Price: Holly prices depend on color, grade, and board size. For example, Hearne Hardwoods lists 4/4, No. 2 Common holly at $30 per board foot, checked in September 2026. This is a supplier example, not a fixed market price; confirm availability before ordering.
Appearance: White to pale cream, with a fine, even texture and subtle grain. Clean, consistently white pieces are particularly desirable for contrasting inlays.
Uses: Decorative inlays, furniture accents, small turned objects, carvings, veneer, and traditional piano keys. Holly can also be dyed black as an alternative to ebony for certain decorative applications.
Workability: Holly is not always easy to machine. Knots and irregular grain can make cutting and planing challenging, although carefully selected pieces work well for detailed projects.
| Characteristic | Holly Wood |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Ilex opaca |
| Average dried weight | Approximately 40 lb/ft³ (640 kg/m³) |
| Janka hardness | Approximately 1,020 lbf (4,540 N) |
| Typical color | White to pale cream |
| Best suited to | Inlays, turning, and decorative details |
Holly Wood Pros and Cons
Pros
- Naturally pale color provides a striking contrast with darker woods.
- Fine texture suits small, detailed work.
- Takes glue, stains, and finishes well.
Cons
- Long, knot-free boards can be difficult to find.
- Irregular grain can complicate machining.
- Color consistency varies, so inspect boards before buying.
Agarwood
Agarwood is prized for its fragrance rather than its strength or appearance. Unlike most entries on this list, it is not a single wood species. It is resin-rich wood produced by certain trees, mainly from the Aquilaria and Gyrinops genera.
The aromatic resin develops as part of the tree’s response to injury or infection. These resin deposits are what make agarwood valuable—not the ordinary, unresinated wood.
Price: Exceptional agarwood can command extraordinary prices. In 2022, the International Tropical Timber Organization reported recorded prices of up to US$100,000 per kilogram for top-quality agarwood. This is an exceptional historical figure, not the typical price of agarwood chips or a current market average.
Appearance: The original wood is relatively pale. Resin-rich areas develop darker brown or nearly black patches and streaks.
Uses: Incense, perfumery, and fragrant oil commonly known as oud. Agarwood is generally traded as chips, pieces, powder, or oil rather than ordinary lumber boards.
Why is it expensive? Its value depends heavily on fragrance, resin content, origin, and quality. Not every agarwood-producing tree develops commercially valuable resin, and exceptional material is scarce.
Agarwood Pros and Cons
Pros
- Distinctive fragrance valued in incense and luxury perfumes.
- Small quantities can have substantial commercial value.
- Cultivated sources offer an alternative to harvesting wild trees.
Cons
- Exceptional grades are extremely expensive.
- Quality varies widely, making price comparisons difficult.
- Unsustainable harvesting threatens wild populations, making responsible sourcing essential.
These are some of the world’s most valuable woods, prized for their appearance, fragrance, rarity, or woodworking qualities. Prices vary considerably by grade, size, origin, and supplier, so treat the figures in this article as examples rather than fixed prices. Always check current availability and responsible sourcing before buying.
Why Are Hardwoods Often More Expensive Than Softwoods?
Many premium hardwoods cost more than common construction softwoods, but hardwood does not automatically mean expensive—or harder, stronger, or more durable. The terms describe botanical groups rather than quality or price.
Several factors help explain why certain hardwoods command high prices:
- Limited supply: Some species grow in restricted regions, and large, clear boards can be difficult to obtain.
- Time to maturity: Certain valuable hardwood species take many decades to produce usable timber. However, growth rates vary, and not all hardwoods grow slowly.
- Desirable characteristics: Unusual colors, striking grain, fragrance, and suitability for musical instruments or fine furniture can increase demand.
- Processing and transport: Harvesting, drying, milling, and transporting timber all contribute to its cost. Species, quality, accessibility, and distance to markets also influence timber value.
Can Softwoods Be Expensive Too?
Yes. Specialty softwood boards selected for exceptional appearance, large dimensions, or musical-instrument quality can cost more than ordinary hardwood lumber.
Ultimately, species, grade, availability, and intended use matter more than the hardwood or softwood label. The most expensive wood is not necessarily the best choice for your project.