28 Aug Local vs Imported Timber: Cost Comparison Guide
Timber is essential in building and renovation projects, especially for homeowners and furniture businesses. It’s mostly favoured for its flexibility and versatility, because you can create both indoor furniture with different types of timber as well as outdoor functional spaces like decks. Timber’s natural beauty allows it to enhance the aesthetic appeal of anything that is made of it. However, you don’t only find timber locally but worldwide, so selecting between local and imported is always optional for homeowners and builders.
Both choices have benefits, for example, when you buy your timber locally, it is quickly obtained, while importing offers exotic hardwoods, but takes a longer time than usual. We are going to focus on the characteristics and cost considerations of three well-known timber types that are common around South Africa, namely Garapa, Balau, and Pine. If you want to discover the price differences when each timber is obtained locally through Online Building, compared to importing it from abroad.
Garapa Timber
Garapa is popular for its exceptional features of resistance to decay, insects, and moisture that might be caused by weather conditions. It’s mostly used in construction and building projects for flooring, decking, and outdoor and indoor furniture. This hardwood is not just durable, but it also has a golden-yellow colour and even grain that gives a polished finish for homeowners and builders.
Garapa is locally and internationally available through various suppliers. Locally, you can get it from Online Building for the lowest price of R95.25 (19 x 39 x 1.8m) to the highest R712.78 (19 x 140 x 6.1m) per plank without Value Added Tax (VAT). However, this durable timber’s cost depends on the quality and sizes (width + length), which is more affordable compared to imported options. Even though specific grades and textures may not always be available locally, but can be found in South America, but it can be expensive due to shipping fees and import taxes. You may end up paying 20 to 40 percent or more.
Balau Timber
Balau timber is suitable for structural frameworks and decking due to its highly durable and resilient nature that can handle foot traffic, rot caused by fungi, and longevity in extreme climates. Balau deck maintenance is relatively simple if you choose to let the wood weather naturally. Additionally, this reddish-brown wood creates a comforting and elegant outdoor relaxation spot at a better price than imported options. We offer Balau from R99.99 (19×90 x 1.8m) per individual piece to R387.60 (19×90 x 5.7m) based on the deck board size. However, imported Balau might add 25 to 45 percent to the cost because of delivery, import duties, taxes, and service charges, which can cause delays if not paid on time.
Pine Timber
Pine Softwood is well-known for its affordability and bright colour, making it an excellent fit for interior and exterior use. It can be consistently treated to withstand rot and insects for fencing, garden, and decking frameworks. Unlike Garapa and Balau, South African Pine Timber can be easily obtained at lower prices starting from R46.44 (25×114 x 2.4m) for a deck board to R2,010.03 (70×220 x 6.6m), making it budget-friendly for renovation projects. However, imported Pine may cost more due to shipping charges and taxes, plus longer delivery times that could postpone the construction of furniture or installation of flooring.
Whether you select Pine Timber, Balau, or Garapa, it’s essential to understand the difference between local and imported options to help you not only pick the suitable timber for your project but also achieve a balance between accessibility, quality, and cost. If you’re exploring the diversity of decking woods in our inventory, consider that each offers unique benefits.
Choosing to get timber locally comes with great benefits, such as quicker delivery and affordable prices. Ready to secure high-quality timber for your project without breaking the bank? CONTACT US for fully specified timber quotes. We are here to help you!