Genuine Mahogany (Honduran Mahogany)
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Primarily straight to slightly interlocked with a fine, uniform texture; shows subtle cathedral figuring in the flat-sawn face and characteristic medium-sized open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pinkish-brown to a darker reddish-brown. Displays excellent chatoyance and natural luster. It typically darkens with age and exposure to light, developing a rich deep red-brown patina.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; excellent resistance to decay and rot, though moderate resistance to insect attack compared to other tropical woods.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, boat building, musical instruments (guitars), veneer, and fine interior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Mexico and Central and South America; also grown on plantations in Southeast Asia.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on width and grain quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely from the last 5-10 years based on the light oxidation and lack of deep surface patina or tool marks.
Sustainability Status
Listed in CITES Appendix II; classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to past over-harvesting. FSC-certified options are available but limited.
Workability
Excellent. It is renowned for its ease of use with both hand and machine tools; machines well, glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well, though interlocked grain can cause minor tearout.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, mild scent when being worked. Known for its dimensional stability (low shrinkage) and balanced strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts almost any finish. Traditional oils or shellacs enhance natural chatoyance; high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquers are standard for musical instruments.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of diffused-porous structure, characteristic reddish-brown hue, silk-like luster, and specific cathedral grain structure is diagnostic of Swietenia macrophylla.