Honduran Mahogany (Genuine Mahogany) / Black Cherry with Mahogany stain
Swietenia macrophylla (or Prunus serotina) · Hardwood / Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Hardwood / Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Native to Southern Mexico, Central America, and South America; widely cultivated in tropical plantations globally.
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Medium Hardness)
- Durability
- Durable; good natural resistance to rot, decay, and moisture, though moderately susceptible to insect attack.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with fine, uniform texture, faint cathedral graining, and subtle ribbon-like figure.
Color & Appearance
Rich golden-brown to deep reddish-brown heartwood with warm undertones. Displays moderate natural luster and slight chatoyance, darkening and deepening over time with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable; good natural resistance to rot, decay, and moisture, though moderately susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $12.00 - $18.00 per board foot for high-grade lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- 20 to 50+ years based on the deep patina, natural surface wear, minor clear-coat crazing/scratches, and rich oxidized reddish tone.
- Sustainability Status
- CITES Appendix II listed and IUCN Red List Vulnerable due to over-harvesting; FSC-certified plantation-grown stock is widely available and sustainable.
Common Uses
Fine high-end furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, musical instruments (guitars), boat building interiors, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Mexico, Central America, and South America; widely cultivated in tropical plantations globally.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. Cuts cleanly, glues easily, sands to a very smooth finish, and holds screws well, though slightly interlocked grain can occasionally cause minor tearout during planing.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and clear topcoats exceptionally well. Film finishes such as lacquer, shellac, film-building polyurethane, or rubbed oil/wax enhance depth and chatoyance without blotching.
Notable Features
Renowned for exceptional dimensional stability, high natural luster, excellent resonance for acoustic instruments, and a mild pleasant odor when freshly worked.
