What is the most expensive wood?

According to This Old House, the most expensive wood is Macassar ebony. Also known as stripped ebony, this wood has a fine texture and small pores. Macassar ebony is reddish-brown with darker brown highlights.

Macassar ebony comes from the Diospyros celebica tree, which grows in Southeast Asia. Diospyros celebica trees are an average of 50 to 65 feet tall and roughly 1.5 feet in diameter. Due to its heavy weight, the wood is considered exceptionally strong.

Due to its expense, most items made of Macassar ebony are small. Common uses include billiard cues and musical instruments. Occasionally, Macassar ebony is used to make cabinets.