Honduran Mahogany
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked with a fine, uniform texture. Shows subtle ribbon-stripe or cathedral figure depending on the cut, with very few knots visible in this grade.
Color Description
The heartwood varies from a pale pinkish-brown to a darker reddish-brown. This sample shows a medium reddish-brown with moderate luster and visible chatoyance. Mahogany naturally darkens and develops a richer patina with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot and termites, with excellent stability and resistance to warping or shrinking.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (guitar backs and necks), boat building, veneer, and paneling.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Mexico and Central and South America; also grown on plantations in Southeast Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
8.00 to 15.00 USD per board foot depending on figure and CITES certification.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be from a finished piece of furniture or instrument. Based on the depth of the finish and the oxidation of the reddish tones, it appears to be approximately 10-20 years old.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. Increasingly sourced from FSC certified plantations due to trade restrictions on wild-harvested timber.
Workability
Excellent. It serves as a benchmark for workability; it sands excellently, glues well, and takes finishes beautifully. Only challenge is slight tearout on interlocked grain during planing.
Notable Features
Famous for its exceptional dimensional stability and acoustic properties. It has a faint, characteristic spicy scent when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. High-gloss lacquer or polyurethane is recommended to highlight chatoyance, though traditional French polish (shellac) is often used for musical instruments.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The diffuse-porous structure, reddish-brown hue with golden undertones, and the specific luster are classic indicators of Swietenia macrophylla.