Genuine Mahogany (Honduran Mahogany)
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked, uniform medium texture with a flat-sawn cathedral appearance in areas, showing characteristic vertical 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, developing a deep reddish-bronze patina with moderate luster.
Hardness Rating
800 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot, though somewhat susceptible to insect attack compared to Teak.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, boat building, musical instruments (especially guitar backs and necks), veneer, and high-end interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Mexico and Central and South America; also grown on plantations in Asian regions.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 to $25.00 per board foot depending on width and grain quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently surfaced new stock; the lack of deep oxidation suggests it has been freshly milled or planed within the last year.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. FSC certification is available for sustainably managed sources.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes exceptionally well, though interlocked grain can occasionally cause minor tearout.
Notable Features
Distinctive cedary scent when being worked; known for exceptional dimensional stability and very low shrinkage rates.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Recommended to use a grain filler for a glass-smooth surface. Finishing with oil or shellac enhances the natural chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue, characteristic vessel line distribution, and apparent density are classic diagnostic features of Swietenia macrophylla.