How much is koa furniture worth?

How much is koa furniture worth?

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 can you tell real Koa wood?

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.

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.

How do you seal koa wood?

  1. Combine water and a teaspoon of dish soap in a small container.
  2. Sand the koa with fine grit sandpaper until the surface is smooth.
  3. Rub tung oil into the surface of the wood with a soft cloth.
  4. Add another coat of tung oil.
  5. Pour two tablespoons of polyurethane onto a scrub sponge.
  6. Sand the koa with fine grit sandpaper.

Why is koa wood expensive?

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 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.

Why is koa wood so special?

What makes Koa so special? Koa wood is special because of three primary reasons, its beauty, rarity, and symbolic meaning. The beauty of Koa is rooted in its unique grain patterns and a variety of colors. It only grows in Hawaii and has played a significant role in ancient Hawaiian history.

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.

Is koa a strong wood?

Because of its shock resistance, it makes exceptional gunstocks. Due to its decay resistance, Koa also performs well as boat trim. As veneer, especially with fiddleback figure, Koa can be used for architectural paneling. Koa is arguably the most spectacular hardwood in the world.

What is the best finish for Koa wood?

Drying oil, such as Danish Oil is best if employed as the finish, but not always great if it is used as a maintenance polish because it can discolor over time. I use it only if the wood is dry. My favorite and least damaging to Koa wood is a wax.

What is koa wood used for?

Historically, Koa wood was used by early Hawaiians to build ocean-going canoes, surfboards, spear handles, and ukuleles. Koa was considered the wood of Hawaiian royalty. Today, Koa is one of the most valuable hardwoods in the world.

Why is Koa wood expensive?