Genuine Mahogany (Honduran Mahogany)
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked; flat-sawn displaying subtle cathedral patterns. Fine to medium texture with uniform growth rings.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pinkish-brown to a darker reddish-brown. It exhibits a natural golden-brown luster (chatoyance) and tends to darken with age and exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and decay, though fairly susceptible to insect attack compared to other tropical woods.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, boat building, musical instruments (especially guitar backs and necks), veneer, and high-end joinery.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (native range from Southern Mexico to central Brazil); also grown on plantations in Southeast Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $18.00 per board foot for Select & Better grade.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely 5-20 years since harvest based on minimal surface oxidation and lack of deep historic patina.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. FSC certification is available for responsibly managed plantation-grown stock.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Planes, sands, and glues exceptionally well. Stable with minimal shrinkage and movement.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its extreme dimensional stability and classic reddish-brown color. It has a faint, pleasant scent when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Recommended: Penetrating oils or shellac to highlight the natural chatoyance, or high-gloss lacquer for a traditional fine furniture look.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of diffused-porous structure, medium brown-red color, and uniform grain is characteristic of Swietenia macrophylla.