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Hardwood Timber Price Comparison: Costs, Types & Best Value

Hardwood timber is valued for its strength, durability, and appearance. This guide provides a clear hardwood timber price comparison, helping you understand which hardwood offers the best value for construction, furniture, or flooring projects.

What Is Hardwood Timber?

Hardwood comes from slow-growing trees such as oak, teak, mahogany, and walnut. Compared to softwood, hardwood is denser, stronger, and more durable, but also more expensive.

Main Factors That Affect Hardwood Prices

• Tree species: Rare hardwoods cost significantly more.
• Growth rate: Slow-growing trees increase price.
• Durability: Naturally rot-resistant hardwoods are premium.
• Processing: Kiln-dried and graded timber costs more.

Hardwood Timber Price Comparison (Per Cubic Meter)

Hardwood Type	Average Price (USD/m³)	Main Uses	Durability
Oak	$800 – $1500	Flooring, furniture	Very high
Teak	$1200 – $2500	Outdoor, decking	Excellent
Mahogany	$1500 – $2800	Luxury furniture	High
Walnut	$1800 – $3000	Cabinetry, interiors	High
Beech	$700 – $1100	Furniture, flooring	Medium

Which Hardwood Offers the Best Value?

Oak and beech often provide the best balance between cost and durability. Teak is the best choice for outdoor use, while walnut and mahogany are ideal for luxury interiors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not always. Hardwood is stronger and more durable, but softwood is cheaper, lighter, and easier to work with. The choice depends on your project: structural framing often uses softwood, while hardwood is preferred for visible furniture, flooring, and decorative elements.

Teak and oak are among the longest-lasting hardwoods. Teak has natural oils that make it exceptionally resistant to moisture, insects, and rot, while oak's dense grain structure provides excellent durability. Both can last 50+ years outdoors with proper maintenance.

Teak is naturally resistant to water, insects, and rot, requiring no chemical treatment. It grows slowly (40-60 years to maturity) and is increasingly rare due to sustainable harvesting concerns. Its combination of beauty, durability, and low maintenance makes it a premium choice.

Beech and some oak varieties offer excellent value. Beech provides good strength and workability at a lower price point, while certain oak types balance durability with reasonable cost. For projects where appearance matters less, consider hardwood plywood or engineered wood products.

Regular cleaning with appropriate wood cleaners, periodic resealing or refinishing, and protection from excessive moisture and direct sunlight. Outdoor hardwoods like teak benefit from annual oiling, while indoor hardwoods should be protected from temperature extremes and humidity fluctuations.

Conclusion

A proper hardwood timber price comparison helps you choose the right timber for your budget and project. Always compare durability, application, and long-term value — not just price.