Honduran Mahogany — Swietenia macrophylla
High. The characteristic reddish-brown color, distinct pore structure (visible vessel lines on the longitudinal surface), and medium texture strongly point toward genuine Mahogany (Swietenia genus). confidence

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.

Got a wood sample like this?

Identify any wood from a photo, free.

Identify wood

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.

Learn more about Honduran Mahogany in the Wood Encyclopedia
Identified August 25, 2026