Doussie, also sold as afzelia, is one of the most stable and durable hardwoods in the world. It is the wood of choice for premium decks, yacht interiors, exterior doors, stair treads and luxury flooring. Because it combines beauty with outstanding performance, it is not a cheap timber, and buyers often ask us what drives the doussie wood price and how to get good value without cutting corners on quality.
In this guide we set out typical FOB prices per cubic metre, explain how grade, thickness, drying and processing change the cost, show how to work out a price per square metre for decking, and cover the extra cost and time that CITES permits add. All prices are indicative starting points from our own quotes at Global Timber Trade Hub, where we supply doussie sawn in Cameroon and the Republic of Congo.
In short
- Kiln-dried sawn doussie starts from about $1,350 per m³ FOB.
- Prices rise for wide, long, FAS boards and for profiled decking.
- Doussie is CITES Appendix II listed, so permits add time and some cost.
- Decking in 21 mm boards works out at roughly $35–45 per m² FOB before freight.
- Freight, duties and local delivery can add 15–30% to the landed cost.
- Mixed containers and flexible lengths help reduce the price per m³.
Typical doussie prices at a glance
| Product | Typical spec | Indicative price (USD, FOB) |
|---|---|---|
| Sawn boards, KD | FAS, 27–52 mm, random widths and lengths | from $1,350 per m³ |
| Sawn boards, KD, wide and long | FAS, widths 200 mm+, lengths 3 m+ | from about $1,600 per m³ |
| Decking boards | 21 × 145 mm, smooth or ribbed, KD | from about $1,650 per m³ |
| Thick stock | 65–100 mm for stair treads and sills | from about $1,550 per m³ |
| Strips and short lengths | Shorts and narrow boards for flooring | below standard board price |
These figures are starting points. Your actual price depends on the exact specification, the volume, the season and current stock. For a full list of species, see our African hardwood prices guide.
Why doussie costs more than many African hardwoods
Several things push doussie above common species such as sapele or ayous. The trees are scattered in the forest, so fewer cubic metres are harvested per hectare. The heartwood is surrounded by pale sapwood that must be cut away, which lowers yield. The timber is dense and dries slowly, so kiln time and energy costs are higher. And because African populations of Afzelia are listed on CITES Appendix II, each shipment needs an export permit, which adds administration and time. Finally, demand from yacht builders, premium decking companies and joiners in Europe and Asia is strong.
Grade and price
Grade is the single biggest driver after species. FAS or first grade boards, with long clear cuttings and few defects, cost the most. Lower grades with small knots, short lengths or some sapwood cost less and suit projects where boards are cut into short pieces anyway, such as flooring or small joinery parts. Ask yourself what yield you really need: paying for wide FAS boards that you will rip into narrow strips is wasted money. Our hardwood lumber grades guide explains the main rules.
Thickness, width and length
Standard thicknesses such as 27, 32, 40 and 52 mm are the most economical, because mills cut them every day. Very thick sections cost more, as they need larger, better logs and longer drying. Wide boards and long lengths also carry a premium, because they are scarce. If your design can use random widths and lengths, you will get a better price per cubic metre.
Kiln dried vs air dried
Kiln-dried doussie at 10–14% moisture content costs more than fresh-sawn or air-dried timber, because kiln drying of dense wood takes time and energy. For indoor joinery, flooring and furniture, kiln drying is essential. For outdoor structures, some buyers accept air-dried timber at a lower price. See our kiln dried vs air dried lumber guide.
Doussie decking price per square metre
Most decking buyers think in square metres rather than cubic metres. Here is a simple way to convert. One cubic metre of 21 × 145 mm boards, allowing for gaps of about 5 mm and some cutting waste, covers roughly 40–45 m² of deck. At about $1,650 per m³ FOB for decking boards, that gives a board cost of around $37–41 per m² FOB. Thicker 28 mm boards cover less area per cubic metre, so the cost per square metre rises. Add freight, duties, joists, fixings and installation to get the full project cost. Our hardwood decking cost guide has worked examples.
CITES permits and their cost
African doussie is listed on CITES Appendix II. Each export needs a CITES permit from the management authority of the exporting country, issued against proof of legal origin and within national quotas. Permit fees themselves are modest, but the paperwork takes time, and some importing countries also require import documentation or checks. In practice, CITES adds a few weeks to lead times and a small amount to the cost per cubic metre. Never buy doussie without a valid permit: shipments can be seized. See our CITES timber species guide.
From FOB to landed cost
Our prices are FOB, meaning loaded on the ship at a Central African port such as Douala or Pointe-Noire. To work out your landed cost, add:
- sea freight to your port;
- cargo insurance;
- destination port and terminal charges;
- customs clearance and any import duties and taxes;
- inland transport to your yard.
For a 40 ft container to northern Europe, these costs often add 15–30% to the FOB value, depending on the route and your market. See our FOB vs CIF timber and timber shipping cost guides.
Weight and container loading
Doussie weighs around 800 kg per cubic metre when dry. A 20 ft container usually reaches its weight limit before it is full, at roughly 22–25 m³ of doussie depending on the line’s limits. A 40 ft container can carry more volume, but weight limits still apply on many routes. Planning the load with us helps you get the lowest freight cost per cubic metre. See how much timber fits in a 40 ft container.
How doussie compares on price
| Species | From (USD/m³, FOB) | Main strength |
|---|---|---|
| Tali | $650 | Very durable, good value |
| Iroko | $950 | Durable, stable, teak-like |
| Padouk | $1,300 | Vivid colour, stable |
| Doussie | $1,350 | Outstanding stability |
| Afrormosia | $1,500 | Teak-like look, stable |
For decking where budget matters more than ultimate stability, tali or iroko are good alternatives. For a full comparison with ipe, read doussie vs ipe.
Is doussie worth the price?
For the right project, yes. Doussie barely moves between wet and dry conditions, which means decks stay flat, doors stay true and stair treads do not cup. It resists decay for decades outdoors, it rarely splinters, and its golden to reddish-brown colour looks luxurious. If you are building a pool deck, a yacht interior, a premium front door or a staircase that should last a lifetime, the extra cost per cubic metre is small compared with the cost of failure or early replacement.
How to get the best doussie price
- Be flexible on lengths: random lengths cost less than fixed lengths.
- Match grade to use: use lower grades for short components.
- Order standard thicknesses: avoid special sizes unless needed.
- Combine species: fill a container with doussie and cheaper species.
- Plan ahead: allow time for CITES permits to avoid rush costs.
- Order larger volumes: full containers get better prices than part loads.
Price trends
Doussie prices have tended to rise over the past decade, driven by tighter harvesting controls, CITES listing, log export restrictions in Central Africa and steady demand. Freight costs have also been volatile. While we cannot predict future prices, buyers who plan their annual needs and order regularly are usually better protected from sudden changes than buyers who order only when stock is urgently needed.
Beware of very cheap doussie
If you see doussie offered far below normal market levels, be careful. It may be a different species sold under the doussie name, wet timber sold as kiln dried, a very low grade, or a shipment without valid CITES permits. Ask for the botanical name, grade rules, moisture content, CITES permit and photos of the actual parcel. Our timber supplier scams guide lists other warning signs.
What to include in your enquiry
- Product: sawn boards, decking, thick stock or strips.
- Grade, thicknesses, widths and lengths.
- Moisture content required.
- Total volume or deck area.
- Destination port and preferred Incoterm.
- Any certification or documentation needs.
With this information we can give you an accurate, firm quote rather than a rough estimate.
Payment and lead times
For a first order of doussie, many buyers pay a deposit with the balance against copy documents, or use a letter of credit. Kiln-dried boards are usually ready to load in 6–10 weeks, including the time needed for the CITES permit. See our letter of credit for timber guide.
Common mistakes
- Comparing prices without the same spec: grade, size and drying change the price.
- Forgetting CITES lead time: rushed orders cost more.
- Ignoring weight limits: dense timber fills a container by weight.
- Paying for FAS when shorts would do: match grade to the job.
Our honest advice
Doussie is a premium wood with a premium price, but it earns it on projects where stability and long life matter most. Get quotes on the same specification, include freight in your comparison, plan for CITES permits, and choose a grade that suits your cutting list. If budget is tight, consider tali, okan or iroko for parts of the project and keep doussie for the most demanding areas.
Sources
Related guides
Frequently asked questions about doussie wood price
How much does doussie cost per cubic metre?
Kiln-dried sawn doussie starts from about $1,350 per m³ FOB, more for wide boards and decking.
How much is doussie decking per square metre?
For 21 mm boards, roughly $35–45 per m² FOB before freight, duties and installation.
Why is doussie expensive?
Low yield, slow drying, CITES controls and strong demand for its stability and durability.
Is doussie cheaper than ipe?
Often similar or lower, depending on market; doussie is also lighter, which can lower freight.
Get a doussie price
Send us your specification and destination through our quote form. We will reply with a firm FOB or CIF price, permit timing and lead time.