Hardwood has been used in construction for several centuries. This type of wood is gotten from trees that don’t produce cones or needles. Such trees are known as angiosperms or deciduous trees.
Hardwood trees produce seeds and leaves. Some of the common sources of hardwood include mahogany, walnut, maple, oak, and cherry. The fact that they are known as hardwood doesn’t necessarily mean that they are stronger than softwood. Where the difference lies is in their wood grain patterns.
Hardwood is a popular choice for construction, flooring, and furniture in Tanzania. However, the prices of hardwood in Tanzania vary depending on several factors, including the type of wood, quality, and market demand. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on hardwood prices in Tanzania, including popular hardwood prices in Tanzania, a guide on purchasing hardwood, and tips on how to get the best deals on hardwood.
Popular Hardwood Prices in Tanzania
Tanzania is known for its rich variety of hardwood species, some of which are highly valued for their durability, beauty, and unique properties. Here are some of the most popular hardwoods in Tanzania and their prices:
- African Mahogany: African Mahogany is a highly prized hardwood species known for its durability, strength, and attractive color. African Mahogany prices in Tanzania range from TSH 1,200,000 to TSH 1,800,000 per cubic meter.
- Teak: Teak is another popular hardwood species in Tanzania, highly valued for its strength, durability, and resistance to decay. Teak prices in Tanzania range from TSH 1,500,000 to TSH 2,200,000 per cubic meter.
- Mninga: Mninga is a highly prized hardwood species in Tanzania, known for its strength, durability, and beautiful grain patterns. Mninga prices in Tanzania range from TSH 1,300,000 to TSH 2,000,000 per cubic meter.
- Mpodo: Mpodo is a popular hardwood species in Tanzania, highly valued for its strength, durability, and resistance to decay. Mpodo prices in Tanzania range from TSH 1,200,000 to TSH 1,800,000 per cubic meter.
- Mkongo: Mkongo is a hardwood species in Tanzania, known for its durability, strength, and beautiful color. Mkongo prices in Tanzania range from TSH 1,000,000 to TSH 1,600,000 per cubic meter.
Note that these prices may vary depending on the quality, availability, and market demand. It is always important to do thorough research on hardwood prices before purchasing.
A Guide on Purchasing Hardwood
Purchasing hardwood can be a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the market. Here are some tips to guide you on purchasing hardwood:
- Do thorough research: Before purchasing hardwood, it is important to do thorough research on the type of wood you need, the quality, and the market prices. This will help you make informed decisions and avoid being ripped off by unscrupulous sellers.
- Look for certified sellers: Look for certified hardwood sellers who adhere to environmental regulations and ethical standards. This will help you avoid buying illegally harvested wood or wood from endangered species.
- Inspect the wood: Before purchasing, inspect the wood to ensure it is of the right quality and free from defects such as cracks, warping, or insect infestation.
- Consider transportation costs: Hardwood can be heavy and bulky, and transportation costs can significantly affect the final price. It is important to factor in transportation costs before making a purchase.
- Negotiate: Don’t be afraid to negotiate the price with the seller. With proper research and bargaining skills, you can get the best deals on hardwood.
How much does hardwood cost in Tanzania? Read this post to the end to find out. We will also show you a few important pieces of information about hardwood in construction.
Cost of Hardwood in Tanzania
Whether you want to use hardwood for personal or commercial construction, knowing their prices is important. There are different sizes of hardwood on the market. These sizes determine the prices of hardwood on the market.
We took some time out to survey the market on your behalf to find out the prices of hardwood. After our survey, we have come up with a list of the different sizes of hardwood and their prices. Check them out below:
- 3 by 4 hardwood: N550 – N650
- 2 by 6 hardwood: N500 – N600
- 2 by 5 hardwood: N400 – N500
- 2 by 4 hardwood: N300 – N400
- 2 by 3 hardwood: N180 – N250
- 2 by 2 hardwood: N100 – N200
Note that these prices may change depending on several factors. Some of these factors include your location, the vendor that you buy from, and the prevailing market forces. Now that you have this information, let’s discuss some other important information about hardwood in construction.
Types of Hardwood
Generally, hardwood is more durable than softwood. This is because they possess higher density and greater strength. One very common question is, “are there different types of hardwood?” Yes, there are. We will show you the broad categories in this section.
Tropical hardwood
The hardwood that falls into this category is known as angiosperms. What this means is that they have their seeds encased in pods or fruits. They can be found on three different continents which include Africa (Central and West), South America, and Asia. Examples of tropical hardwood include Sapele, Cumaru, and Kapa.
Temperate hardwood
The wood here is gotten from trees in the temperate regions of the world. This includes Japan, the Eastern United States, Europe, Canada, China, and some parts of Russia. The trees are coniferous, broad-leaved, and deciduous. Examples of species that appear here include cherry, ash, maple, and oak.
European hardwood
As the name suggests, you can find these hardwoods across Europe. They are mainly gotten from the beech and oak trees. Oak has been used in building homes and furniture for several centuries.
Benefits of using hardwood for construction purposes
Here’s another important question that seeks an answer. Why make use of hardwood for construction purposes? Hardwood presents us with several amazing benefits. In this section, we will look at some of the benefits of using hardwood for construction.
Strength
As we stated earlier, hardwood is very strong and durable. What is the secret behind its strength? It is mostly because it is gotten from slow-growing trees. These trees become stronger with age so, by the time they are mature for use, they have gathered a lot of strength. They have a denser cellular structure than their softwood counterparts.
Appearance
Asides from using hardwood in the building process, they are also used to add style to décor. Why is this so? Remember that we talked about the unique nature of the hardwood grain earlier? Well, this gives hardwood a very attractive appearance. Different species of hardwood come in different colours and patterns. Just so you know, no two hardwoods come in the same pattern. This gives you a wider array of décor options to choose from.
Maintenance
This is one of the major advantages of using hardwood for construction. Hardwood is very easy to clean and maintain. This is why they are mostly used in flooring homes. They tend to maintain their attractiveness regardless of their age. Asides from this, hardwood is very comfortable to walk. It gives you this feeling of warmth and coziness because it is a natural insulator.