Genuine Mahogany (Honduran Mahogany)
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked, presenting a medium texture and uniform grain with a subtle ribbon-stripe figure. Pores are medium-sized and visible as dark streaks.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from a pale pinkish brown to a darker reddish brown. Color darkens with age and light exposure. Exhibits moderate chatoyancy and natural luster.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable. Highly resistant to rot and termites, with excellent stability and resistance to warping or shrinking.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, boat building, musical instruments (especially guitar backs and necks), veneer, and luxury interior trim.
Geographic Origin
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 figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing based on uniform surfacing, likely harvested within the last 1-10 years and processed with contemporary industrial milling.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. FSC certification is available for some sources.
Workability
Excellent. Works easily with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well. Slight risk of tearout on interlocked grain sections during planing.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its incredible dimensional stability and historical importance in cabinetry. Has a faint, characteristic odor when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Excellent results with grain fillers followed by lacquer or shellac. Oil-based finishes enhance the natural reddish tones and chatoyancy.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of color, diffused-porous structure with visible vessel lines, and the specific reddish-orange hue is characteristic of Swietenia macrophylla.