Honduran Mahogany
Swietenia macrophylla · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and South America (native), often plantation-grown in Asia.
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable; excellent resistance to termites and decay with superior stability in changing humidity.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium texture; displays a rich ribbon-stripe figure common in quarter-sawn surfaces.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a deep reddish-brown with a golden luster. It exhibits strong chatoyance and deepens with age and light exposure; sapwood is yellowish-white but not visible here.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; excellent resistance to termites and decay with superior stability in changing humidity.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 - $25.00 per board foot (genuine species is increasingly rare).
- Wood Age Estimate
- 40–60 years, based on the vintage Reuge musical movement label and the deep oxidation/patina of the lacquer finish.
- Sustainability Status
- CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status Vulnerable; FSC certification is available for some sources.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, musical instruments (guitar bodies), cabinetry, boat building, and fine veneers.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (native), often plantation-grown in Asia.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools; however, interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing and sanding. Gluing and finishing are excellent.
Finish Recommendations
Traditional nitrocellulose lacquer (as seen on the object), shellac, or a hand-rubbed oil finish to enhance chatoyance.
Notable Features
Distinctive resonance for musical instruments; lacks a strong scent when finished; historically the gold standard for cabinetmaking due to dimensional stability.
