Choosing a type of hardwood floor is an important decision for any home.
If money is no option, there are so many different types of hardwood you can choose from.
In this article, we have laid out some of the most expensive hardwood floors available on the market.
Not everyone will be able to afford these woods. If you can, though, you can be certain that your home’s floor will be the centerpiece for a long time.
Key Takeaways
The most expensive hardwood floors include Brazilian Cherry, Zebra Wood, Macassar Ebony, and Bocote. Hardwood prices increase thanks to rarity. Some wood is so rare, it’s illegal to use in your home!
Most Expensive Hardwood Floors: Top 4
There is a wide variety of woods to choose from for your home. Some of the most expensive are:
- Brazilian Cherry
- Zebra Wood
- Macassar Ebony
- Bocote
Advice from the Expert: When choosing hardwood floors, it’s not just about the price tag. I’ve seen many clients fall in love with a certain type of wood for its unique color or grain pattern. So, it might be worth it to splurge on something you love. After all, good quality flooring is a long-term investment and it greatly influences the look and feel of your home.
Brazilian Cherry
Brazilian cherry is one of the more affordable woods we have listed here. At around $6 per square foot, though, it is still fairly expensive for an entire home.
Brazilian cherry is not actually a cherry wood but gets its name from its deep red color. It is an incredibly beautiful wood and was very popular in new homes in the early 2000’s.
If you are interested in conserving this wood, it is available in laminate form.
Zebra Wood
Zebra wood is an incredibly exotic wood that is named for its appearance. It has a deep-veined light and dark contrast grain and is very beautiful.
Zebra wood tends to come from the mosquito coast and needs to be imported to the United States.
Because of this, it can be up to $25 per square foot. To floor an entire home with this wood would be incredibly expensive.
Macassar Ebony
Macassar Ebony is a dense, deeply grained wood that is highly sought after and very expensive.
Advice from the Expert: While the rarity of the wood does drive the price up, don’t forget about the cost of maintenance. Some of these rare and expensive woods require special care to maintain their beauty. For example, Macassar Ebony may be durable, but it can darken over time if not properly maintained. So always factor maintenance costs into your decisions.
At $150 per square foot, it is usually reserved for end pieces on cabinetry and fine woodworking.
However, it can also be used for flooring. It is desirable for its durability and longevity.
The grain of Macassar Ebony is usually interlocked, which promotes strength. This also makes it difficult to work with.
Bocote
Bocote is a very beautiful wood with a lot of color undertones and a pleasing grain. It is usually found in Mexico and South America and is imported to the United States.
Advice from Expert: Don’t dismiss a type of wood just because it’s cheaper. Bocote, for instance, is an affordable option but is known for its unique color undertones and intricate grain patterns. You can get a high-end look without breaking the bank! It’s all about considering your budget and finding the right balance between price and aesthetics for you.
At $4 per square foot, though, it is relatively affordable for how beautiful it is. It has a brown body and grain that is almost black.
If you want a floor that retains a dark color as it ages, this could be a good choice.
The patterns produced by the grain are also very complicated. This makes it a great option if you want a uniquely styled floor.
What Makes Hardwood Flooring Expensive?
Hardwood floors are expensive for many different reasons. Generally, though, it is because they are hard to come by.
Like anything else, wood is a natural resource and a commodity. It is not always readily available like stone or vinyl.
However, other woods are actually endangered and are illegal to buy, sell or possess in the U.S.
One of these woods is mahogany. Since 2003, mahogany has been covered by the U.S. Endangered Species Act.
Because of this, it is impossible and illegal to have a mahogany hardwood floor installed in your home.
For the most part, though, wood is expensive simply because it is hard to come by. This is the case with all the woods on our list above.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the most popular flooring in homes today?
Luxury vinyl tile, or LVT, is one of the most popular types of flooring right now.
Its durability and wide variety of styles make it a good choice for people who want both attributes. It is also relatively inexpensive and budget-friendly.
- What is the toughest flooring?
Without a doubt, hardwood is the toughest type of flooring. It is meant to last and will give you some of the best longevity available on the market.
Laminate is also incredibly tough and has the benefit of being easy to replace if a piece is damaged.
- What is the rarest wood on earth?
Lignum Vitae is by far the rarest wood on earth. It has a high oil content which naturally finishes the wood and gives it a brilliant sheen.
It also has a large range of colors and hues making it very versatile.
See More Types of Hardwood Floors.
Conclusion
While you do not have to spend a lot of money to get a nice floor, it can improve your home’s look.
Purchasing high-quality materials for your home is a great way to make it last. Some of these hardwood flooring options will give you years of beautiful flooring.
