Wherever you stand on the question of climate change or global warming, there is no denying that our sources of fine hardwoods is rapidly diminishing.

Over the last one hundred years, we have seen the extinction of woods like Cuban mahogany and Brazilian rosewood, while woods that were formerly considered second rate have come to the forefront. And now, some of those are disappearing from the marketplace.

The question that arises is what the value of the surviving supply of hardwoods will be worth. At this point the cost of woods like paddock and purple heart, which were relatively inexpensive in the past, are now bringing premium prices.

Is wood destined to become like gold, silver and other precious metals? A material only affordable for the very wealthy and available only to the finest artisans? Only time will tell …