Search for a Sadhu board and you will see prices that differ several times over. Some boards cost less than a dinner out; premium solid-wood boards cost more than $200. They all look like a piece of wood with nails, so what are you actually paying for?
The short answer
The price of a Sadhu board is driven by five things: the nails, the number of nails, the base, the finish and what comes in the box. A good board does not have to be the most expensive one, but the cheapest boards usually save money on exactly the parts your feet feel.
1. Nail material
Copper costs much more than aluminum or steel, so copper boards are always pricier. The material changes the look and weight more than the sensation; intensity is set mainly by the spacing. Copper vs aluminum explained.
2. Number of nails and spacing
Tighter spacing means more nails on the same board. An 8 mm board carries noticeably more nails than a 12 mm board, and every nail has to be set at exactly the same height. More nails mean more material and more work.
3. Nail quality
This is where cheap boards cut corners and where your feet notice first. Look for nails that are smooth, free of burrs and set at an even height. Uneven or rough nails turn the practice into sharp, patchy pain instead of an even, intense pressure.
4. The base
Bases are made from plywood or solid wood such as oak or ash. Solid wood boards are heavier and more expensive. Multi-layer plywood is lighter, stable and less prone to warping, which makes it a practical choice for a board you carry around. Tengry boards use ECO birch plywood with three layers of varnish.
5. Finish, design and accessories
Engraving, paint, varnish, a carry case and gift packaging all add to the price. They do not change how the board feels, but they matter if you travel with it or give it as a gift.
What Tengry boards cost
- Aluminum nails: from $69.90 (8, 10 and 12 mm)
- Copper nails: from $79.90 (8 and 10 mm)
Every board comes with a soft case, aroma sticks and a gift-ready box. Shipping is free to the US mainland, Canada, Japan and Europe, with delivery in 1–4 business days to the US, Canada, Germany and Japan.
What is worth paying for
- Even, smooth nails — this is the practice itself.
- The right spacing — a board you can actually stand on beats an impressive one you avoid. How to choose spacing.
- A board that fits your feet — check the maximum foot size.
- A real return policy — so you can exchange the spacing if it is not right.
What you can skip
- Paying extra for nail length beyond what keeps your foot off the wood.
- Claims that a board heals illnesses. A Sadhu board is a wellness tool, not a medical device.
FAQ
Why are some Sadhu boards so expensive?
Copper nails, solid hardwood bases, hand finishing and engraving all raise the price. They change the look and weight more than the sensation.
Is a cheaper Sadhu board worse?
Not necessarily. Check the nails: they should be smooth, burr-free and level. That matters more than the wood or the design.
Is copper worth the extra cost?
If you love the look or want a gift that stands out, yes. For the practice itself, spacing matters more than the metal.