Mahogany (Honduras/American Mahogany)
Swietenia macrophylla · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Neotropics, native to Central and South America; widely planted in other tropical regions.
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and termite attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium to fine uniform texture. Displays a characteristic chatoyant ribbon or block pattern under light due to interlocking grain.
Color & Appearance
Rich reddish-brown to deep dark red heartwood that darkens significantly to a deep, warm patina with age and light exposure. The sapwood is typically a narrow band of yellowish-white.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot, decay, and termite attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $15.00 to $30.00+ per board foot depending on grade, width, and presence of figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be 30 to 60+ years old, based on the deep reddish-brown patina and oxidation visible on the surface.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on CITES Appendix II and classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN due to historic over-harvesting. Plantation-grown stock is increasingly available.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, boat building, musical instruments (acoustic and electric guitar bodies/necks), veneer, carving, and turnings.
Geographic Origin
Neotropics, native to Central and South America; widely planted in other tropical regions.
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, turns, finishes, and carves remarkably well with very little dulling of cutting edges.
Finish Recommendations
Takes a wide variety of finishes exceptionally well. Traditional oil finishes, shellac, lacquer, and modern polyurethanes all yield a deep, professional luster.
Notable Features
Known for high dimensional stability, excellent strength-to-weight ratio, distinctive chatoyancy, and natural resistance to moisture and decay.
