How much does Koa wood cost in Hawaii?

Koa wood is precious Koa wood is highly regarded and it is so precious because it can only be found in Hawaii. Its beauty and rarity make koa among the most expensive woods in the world. Koa wood starts at around $40 per board feet and can go up to $200 board feet for rare large slabs.

What is the price of Koa wood?

The price of koa varies as much as any species in the world. Plain koa, without a variance in color or figure can be bought for as little as $15 to $20/bf and, if quartersawn, $20 to $50/bf. Lumber with the premium full curl usually ranges between $80 and $120/bf. Musical-grade koa runs up to $150/bf.

How much is a mature koa tree worth?

A koa tree—prized for its use in hand-crafted furniture—can be worth upwards of $50,000 in today’s market. In theory, you could score $2,500 from a single tree. The catch? Koa can take anywhere from 30 to 50 years to mature.

Is Koa wood still available?

Concerned people sometimes ask, “Is Koa wood endangered, or even extinct?” The answer is a resounding “NO.” Koa wood is not and has never been on any endangered species list. There is more Koa growing in the Hawaiian Islands today compared to ten years ago.

Do termites eat Koa wood?

Fortunately, termites do not prefer Koa. Chemical pre-treatment will work to prevent termites, but it may discolor the wood.

What is special about Koa wood?

Koa Wood is legendary in Hawaii. Not only is this amazing wood native to Hawaii but it is known for the deep rich colors and varied grain pattern. Koa has honored heritage in Hawaii and is highly revered and sacred. Koa in battle.

Can you cut down koa trees?

Koa is far from endangered, but DOFAW controls any cutting on state land, which is limited to careful pruning and thinning of fallen, dead or dying trees, Smith says. “You need a permit to cut koa, and it needs to be done in a manner prescribed by DOFAW so it protects the forests.

How long does it take to grow a koa tree?

Koa are fast growing trees at 5 feet per year for the first five years, and can reach impressive heights in several decades in upper elevation landscapes. [16] Though koa can grow at lower elevations, some varieties may succumb to diseases after a decade of growth.

Do termites eat koa wood?

Is Koa wood hard or soft?

Koa is a hardwood and has high crush resistance and shock absorbance. It is often compared to walnut, however, it weighs about 25% more and its interlocking grain makes for an exceptional figure. It’s thin, light-colored sapwood surrounds the hardwood that woodworkers describe as lustrous, swirled marble.

Can I grow a koa tree?

Growing a koa tree should only be attempted where the conditions are right, namely those of Hawaii, its native area. These are beautiful shade trees that do best in their natural habitat but which can be grown to a shorter lifespan and smaller size in Hawaii’s residential areas.

How can you tell if Koa wood is real?

You can identify Koa by examining three primary attributes; color, grain, and origin. Koa is generally reddish gold to dark brown in color. Its acute interlocking wood grain produces a highly curly or figured appearance. Its origin is always Hawaii.

How long does it take koa to grow?

Did You Know…? Koa are fast growing trees at 5 feet per year for the first five years, and can reach impressive heights in several decades in upper elevation landscapes. [16] Though koa can grow at lower elevations, some varieties may succumb to diseases after a decade of growth.

Is Koa wood endangered?

Least Concern (Population stable)Koa / Conservation status

How can you tell if koa wood is real?

How do you plant koa?

The seeds should be planted in soil-less potting mix at a depth of about twice the diameter of the seed. Acacia koa seeds generally take 11 to 24 days to germinate; however, Lilleeng-Rosenberger reports some scarified seeds germinating in as few as 7 days.

What is so special about Koa wood?

The Wood Grain Pattern Is Exceptional Koa wood is arguably one of the most beautiful woods in the world. It is special in its own right because of its unique figuring, colors, and textures. All of which is influenced and determined by the age of the tree, its elevation and soil in which it grows.

Can you cut down a koa tree?

Due to logging and grazing, there are very few forests left. Cutting of growing trees is now illegal, so any products that are made come from dead/fallen logs or private lands.

How long does it take for a koa tree to mature?

Where to buy koa wood?

Can be highly figured

  • Wide range of colors
  • Superior tonewood
  • Highest levels of chatoyancy
  • Species under distress by ranches
  • One of the finest and most expensive hardwood lumbers
  • How much is koa wood?

    The price of koa varies as much as any species in the world. Plain koa, without a variance in color or figure can be bought for as little as $15 to $20/bf and, if quartersawn, $20 to $50/bf. Lumber with the premium full curl usually ranges between $80 and $120/bf. Musical-grade koa runs up to $150/bf.

    Is koa wood endangered?

    Koa is currently on the endangered species register due to concerns about the habitat it provides for endangered native Hawaiian wildlife. All the Koa that David uses in his creations comes from standing deadfalls. Also, his pieces are designed to make maximum use of the wood, with minimal waste.

    Where is koa wood from?

    Koa Overview. LATIN: ACACIA KOA ORIGIN: HAWAII. Koa is a wood native to Hawaii and is commonly used to make musical instruments, cabinets and different carvings. Koa is similar to Mahogany in terms of color. You will find that Koa is fairly easy to work with and that it finishes quite well.