Genuine Mahogany (Honduran Mahogany)
Swietenia macrophylla • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with visible medium-to-large open pores. Some areas show a slight interlocked or wavy characteristic which can produce a subtle ribbon figure if quarter-sawn.
Color Description
Reddish-brown heartwood with a natural golden luster. The sapwood is a yellowish-white. This species is famous for darkening and deepening in color over time with exposure to light, moving from a pale pinkish-brown to a deep, rich reddish-brown.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable. Higher resistance to termites and rot than many other hardwoods; excellent weathering characteristics.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, boat building, musical instruments (especially guitar backs and necks), veneer, and decorative millwork.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Mexico and Central and South America; also grown on plantations in Southeast Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot, depending on width and figure quality.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample surface oxidation and moderate wear suggest the wood has been seasoned/processed for 5 to 10 years, though the tree itself likely grew for decades.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. FSC certified sources exist but are limited due to historical over-harvesting.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes superbly. Occasional tearout can occur in areas with interlocked grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive reddish-brown hue, medium weight, and incredible dimensional stability (low shrinkage/warping). It is often considered the gold standard for woodworkability.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. A grain filler is often used to achieve a glass-smooth surface. Finishing with oil enhances its chatoyancy, while nitrocellulose lacquer is traditional for furniture.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the reddish-brown oxidation, the specific size and distribution of the open vessels (pores), and the characteristic golden luster are definitive for Swietenia macrophylla.