You can use mahogany lumber anywhere, from decorative wood panels to box beams to cabinetry to tonewood or even in boatbuilding. Note that Philippine mahogany is not genuine and was used briefly to refer to many wood species in southeast Asia.
Common Trade Name: Honduran mahogany, genuine mahogany, American mahogany, big-leaf mahogany, Brazilian mahogany
Scientific Name: Swietenia macrophylla
Color Range: pale pinkish-brown to dark reddish-brown heartwood, straight-grained and free of defects
Availability: exotic; occasional stock; with export restrictions
Janka Scale Hardness: 900 lbf (4,020 N)
Average Weight per BF: 36.8 lbs/Cu. Ft.
Common Uses: furniture, cabinetry, turning wood blanks, custom millwork, veneer, boatbuilding, tonewood
What Is Mahogany?
Mahogany is a valuable wood with a long history in fine furniture and cabinetry making. It is well-loved for its color and wide wood planks, which are durable and rot-resistant. Its tight grain is compatible with any finish and has a distinctive mahogany color of light to reddish brown with pinkish undertones.
As a top-notch wood, the Cuban mahogany species was exploited and overharvested from its natural range. Presently, it is considered an exotic wood, and considering its scarce resources, Cuban mahogany prices are pretty high.
Honduran mahogany is more attainable than Cuban mahogany in the US. However, its sale is restricted to the domestic market and not meant for international shipment.
Where Is Mahogany Sourced From?
Honduran mahogany lumber is a hardwood from the Swietenia macrophylla trees growing in Mexico and many parts of South America. It is cultivated in plantations for their timber and as wind-breaks. The tree can grow to 200 feet with a diameter of 6 feet. Due to its massive size, mahogany lumber and boards can be thick, wide, and long.
Two other mahogany species, Swietenia humilis and Swietenia mahogany, are sourced in the US Pacific Coast and West Indies, respectively.
What to Look for When Buying Mahogany
The most off-putting aspect of buying mahogany lumber is its price. Most of them are expensive because of their scarce availability. When the price is too good to be true, you are probably not dealing with authentic mahogany. FAS grades are too expensive, but they might also be available in rough-sawn boards for a lower price.
Depending on your project, choose mahogany based on its appearance, such as picking those with uniform colors for modern designs. Mahogany with wavy bands is best for a wood accent wall and other custom trim.
Avoid mahogany with white speckles or gum deposits on the surface. These silica or mineral deposits can affect the woodwork finish since sanding may not remove these particles.
Pros and Cons of Mahogany
Mahogany is the wood by which all other woods are measured because of its extreme workability. Its hardness and open grain can be cut easily with only a little tear-out, if any. They lack the natural oil that other hardwoods contain; thus, they go well with any adhesives.
Pros
- Dimensionally stable
- Rot and decay-resistant
- Easy to carve and turn
- Glues and finishes well
- Wider planks
Cons
- Very expensive
- Scarce supply
FAQs
Does mahogany lumber darken with age?
Like most hardwoods, mahogany also undergoes chemical changes and darkens its color over time, creating optical illusions.
Why is mahogany so expensive?
Woodcrafters love the workability and distinctive reddish-brown color of mahogany. The lumber is so in-demand despite the limited stock, which causes the price to flare up.
Does mahogany rot easily?
Mahogany is considered the king of all woods, exhibiting extreme rot-resistance not many hardwoods possess.
Where to Buy Mahogany
Mahogany lumber is controversial, and acquiring it is a tedious process. The species is threatened, and strict regulations are imposed for their protection. To ensure that the boards you buy are legal, purchase them only from reputable and recognized lumber distributors.
Alderfer Lumber Company Inc is one of your lumber dealers with legally and sustainably- sourced mahogany boards. We obtain our lumber from the source with proper permits for distribution. We do not ship outside the US, but we do deliver to the east coast.
Alderfer has a wide range of exotic and domestic wood species suited for many wooden crafts and architectural projects. If you can’t find what you are looking for on our website, give us a call so we can sort their availability in our wood database. We may be able to offer you alternative lumber with the closest characteristics if your choice of wood is unavailable.
