Genuine Mahogany (Honduran Mahogany)
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium texture; shows subtle ribbon-stripe figure common in quarter-sawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from a pale pinkish brown to a darker reddish brown; color tends to darken with age and exposure to light; displays a characteristic medium luster.
Hardness Rating
800 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; rated as very durable regarding decay resistance and moderately resistant to termites and other insects.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (guitar backs/sides), boat building, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Mexico, Central America, 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 cut (late 20th to early 21st century) based on color uniformness and lack of deep oxidation or heavy patina.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II and on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable; FSC certified stock is preferred but limited.
Workability
Excellent with both hand and machine tools; planes and sands easily; interlocked grain can cause some tear-out during surfacing.
Notable Features
Famous for its dimensional stability and ease of carving; lacks a strong characteristic scent when dry; known for its chatoyance.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all finishes; traditional grain fillers are often used to achieve a glass-smooth surface before applying lacquer or shellac.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; identified by the distinctive reddish-brown pore structure and the chatoyancy and grain movement visible in the photograph.