Maple (Soft/Silver) with African Mahogany center strip
Acer saccharinum (Maple) and Khaya spp. (Mahogany) · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Maple: Eastern North America; Mahogany: West Tropical Africa.
- Hardness
- Maple: 700 lbf (Soft); Mahogany: 830-1070 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Maple: Perishable/Non-durable, susceptible to insect attack. Mahogany: Moderately durable to durable with good rot resistance.
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Grain Pattern
Maple: Straight, fine, and uniform with some diffuse-porous vessels. Mahogany: Straight to interlocked grain with ribbon-stripe tendency and medium-coarse texture.
Color & Appearance
Maple: Pale creamy-white to light yellow sapwood; luster is subtle but visible. Mahogany: Deep reddish-brown center heartwood that darkens with UV exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
Maple: 700 lbf (Soft); Mahogany: 830-1070 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Maple: Perishable/Non-durable, susceptible to insect attack. Mahogany: Moderately durable to durable with good rot resistance.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $5.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on local availability and figure quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The finished item appears to be 10-30 years old based on the ambering of the top coat and the oxidation of the Mahogany strip.
- Sustainability Status
- Maple: Least Concern/Stable. Khaya Mahogany: Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) and subject to FSC monitoring.
Common Uses
Musical instruments, decorative boxes, cutting boards, furniture accents, furniture framing, and turning.
Geographic Origin
Maple: Eastern North America; Mahogany: West Tropical Africa.
Workability
Maple works easily with tools but can burn with dull blades. Mahogany may show tearout on interlocked grain but glues and finish exceptionally well.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss polyurethane or lacquer (as seen on specimen) to protect the light wood from staining and enhance chatoyance.
Notable Features
High contrast between light and dark species; Maple is odorless, while Khaya may have a faint scent when worked.
