When it comes to crafting and designing exquisite furniture, the choice of wood plays perhaps the most important role of all. Fine woods possess a unique blend of natural beauty, and durability, making them highly sought-after and prized in the world of furniture design. But with increasing demand and over-harvesting, these woods have also become preciously rare in recent years, which has seen their prices soar. These are among the most expensive woods generally used for furniture.
Ebony
There’s a reason this wood has been a favourite in furniture making for generations. Its deep, rich hue makes for beautiful furniture and can be polished down into an unbelievably beautiful finish. The finest pieces of Ebony can reach an astounding R200 000 per kilogramme.
Sandalwood
Sandalwood is one of the most expensive woods generally used in furniture making. With its strong, durable quality, it makes for exquisite pieces that stand the test of time. It’s also prized for its beautiful scent and healing properties. But with overuse and little to be done to replenish forests, it’s become increasingly rare, putting this wood in the range of about R4 000 per kilogramme.
Pink Ivory
Known for its gorgeous hues of rose and soft purple, Pink Ivory is a hardwood used to make a variety of fine objects and furniture, creating pieces that transcend seasonal trends. Predominantly grown in Zimbabwe, Botswana, and South Africa, the wood can reach up to R1 500 per plank!
Bonus: African Blackwood
African Blackwood is one of the most sought-after woods in the world, it’s also the densest and hardest. As such, it’s rarely used for furniture and rather kept for fine musical instruments. This makes sense, as the hefty price tag sees this wood going for up to R200 000 per kilogramme!
