Genuine Mahogany (Honduran or Big-Leaf Mahogany)
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium texture; exhibits some ribbon-stripe figure and characteristic vessel lines.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pinkish brown to a darker reddish brown; color tends to darken with age and exposure to light; displays a high natural luster and chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though moderately susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, boat building, musical instruments (especially guitar backs and necks), veneer, and fine interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (Mexico to Brazil)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on width and grain figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely kiln-dried and harvested within the last 10-20 years based on surface oxidation and surfacing marks.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable; FSC certified sources are preferred but increasingly rare.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though interlocked grain can occasionally cause tearout during planing.
Notable Features
Distinctive chatoyance (light-shifting property); very stable with low shrinkage rates; negligible scent when dry; common allergen for respiratory irritation during sanding.
Finish Recommendations
Responds beautifully to oils, shellac, and lacquer; a grain filler is often used to achieve a glass-smooth high-gloss finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the color transition, visible pore structure, and characteristic grain swirl are iconic for Swietenia macrophylla.