
Honduran Mahogany
Swietenia macrophylla · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Neotropical region, native to Central and South America; also widely cultivated in plantations in other tropical regions.
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable. Exhibits very good resistance to decay and termites.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium to coarse uniform texture. May exhibit attractive ribbon or roped figure when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a pale pinkish-brown to a deeper reddish-brown, which darkens considerably over time to a deep, rich reddish-brown or burgundy with exposure to light. Sapwood is yellowish-white and clearly demarcated.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable. Exhibits very good resistance to decay and termites.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10 to $25 per board foot, depending on grade, width, and figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately aged (several decades based on the rich patina and deep oxidation visible on the surface).
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on CITES Appendix II and protected under international trade agreements. Sourcing is strictly regulated; FSC-certified plantation-grown material is available.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, boat building, musical instruments, interior millwork, carving, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Neotropical region, native to Central and South America; also widely cultivated in plantations in other tropical regions.
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes extremely well. Can occasionally experience tearout on interlocked grain surfaces during planing.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts almost all finishes beautifully. Traditional oil finishes, shellac, lacquer, and modern polyurethanes all yield excellent results, enhancing the deep reddish color and natural chatoyance.
Notable Features
Renowned for its dimensional stability, natural luster, chatoyance, and relative ease of working combined with excellent strength-to-weight ratio.