Genuine Mahogany (Honduran Mahogany)
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with visible cathedral patterning on flat-sawn faces. Fine to medium texture with consistent vessel distribution.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish-brown with a distinct golden luster. Sapwood is yellowish-white. It exhibits strong chatoyance and will darken significantly to a deep reddish-brown over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and decay; moderately resistant to termite attack, though less resistant to marine borers.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (especially guitar backs/necks), boat building, veneer, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (Mexico to Brazil); also grown on plantations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on width, length, and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears recently milled or planed, showing little oxidation or patina, likely indicating it is a modern piece of stock less than 5 years old.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. FSC certification is available for some plantation-grown stock.
Workability
Excellent. Works very easily with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes well. Very stable during drying with minimal shrinkage. Some tearout can occur in areas with interlocked grain.
Notable Features
Famous for its exceptional dimensional stability and signature chatoyance. Noted for a mild, pleasant scent when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. High-gloss lacquer or traditional hand-rubbed oil (like Tung oil) is recommended to highlight the natural depth and golden luster of the grain.
Identification Confidence
High. The combination of the reddish-golden color, specific vessel pore structure, characteristic cathedral figure, and luster is highly indicative of Swietenia macrophylla.