Honduran Mahogany
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain showing a classic 'ribbon' figure with crotch-like shimmering figure in the mitered segments
Color Description
Deep reddish-brown heartwood with golden undertones; displays high chatoyancy and natural luster. Darkens and becomes more rich with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
800 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; excellent resistance to rot and termites with superior dimensional stability
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, boat building, musical instruments (guitars), and decorative veneers
Geographic Origin
Central and South America; historically from Belize, Guatemala, and Brazil
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $30.00 per board foot for genuine mahogany, significantly higher for figured specimens
Wood Age Estimate
Vintage/Antique (50-100 years); presence of deep oxidation and traditional joinery suggest early 20th-century construction
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. FSC certification is available but rare for old-growth stock.
Workability
Excellent; known as one of the best woods for hand tools and carving. Exceptionally stable but interlocked grain can cause some tearout in planing.
Notable Features
Distinctive fine texture, faint aromatic scent when cut, very stable across humidity changes, and historically used as the standard for fine cabinetmaking.
Finish Recommendations
Traditional French polish (shellac), grain filler with tung oil, or spray lacquer to highlight the depth of the grain and chatoyancy.
Identification Confidence
High; the deep reddish hue, ribbon-stripe figure, pore structure, and application in a classic mitered tabletop are consistent with high-grade Swietenia species.