Honduran Mahogany
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium texture; displays a faint ribbon stripe figure consistent with quarter-sawn or near-quarter-sawn milling.
Color Description
Heartwood is a deep reddish-brown with a golden luster. It shows significant chatoyance and typically darkens with age and light exposure. Minimal sapwood is visible, which would naturally be a pale yellowish-white.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though only moderately resistant to insect attack.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, boat building (historic), musical instruments (especially guitar backs and necks), and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Mexico and Central and South America; often plantation-grown in Southeast Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on figure and certification.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be a vintage furniture component, likely 20-50 years old, evidenced by the deep oxidation and the quality of the finish patina.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II and classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List; FSC certified sources are highly recommended and often required for trade.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes, sands, and glues exceptionally well, though interlocked grain can occasionally cause minor tearout.
Notable Features
Famous for its dimensional stability and resonant acoustic properties. It has a subtle, characteristic earthy scent when worked.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; looks best with a pore-filler followed by nitrocellulose lacquer, shellac, or a high-quality tung oil to enhance depth.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the pore structure, color, and luster are highly characteristic of the Swietenia genus, though African Mahogany (Khaya) can look very similar.