Genuine Mahogany (Honduran Mahogany)
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium texture; exhibits a consistent, fine ripple and subtle ribbon stripe figure characteristic of quartersawn orientation.
Color Description
Heartwood is a classic reddish-brown with pinkish undertones; sapwood is yellowish-white. It displays high natural luster and moderate chatoyance, darkening to a deep rich red-brown over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
800 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable regarding rot resistance; moderately resistant to insects, though susceptible to marine borers. Excellent dimensional stability.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, boat building, musical instruments (especially guitar backs and necks), pattern making, and fine veneers.
Geographic Origin
Native to Central and South America (Mexico to Brazil); also grown on plantations in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on width, length, and grain figure.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears relatively fresh and newly milled with minimal patina or oxidation, likely less than 2-5 years since processing.
Sustainability Status
Listed on CITES Appendix II; classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. FSC-certified sources are available but limited.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, sands, and glues exceptionally well, though interlocked grain can occasionally cause minor tearout during machining.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its extreme dimensional stability and lack of warping. It has a faint, characteristic spicy scent when worked. It is considered the gold standard for mahogany-type woods.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes exceptionally well. A grain filler is often used for a glass-smooth surface. Hand-rubbed oils or nitrocellulose lacquer are traditional choices to enhance depth.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of diffused-porous structure, distinct reddish-brown color, fine vessel lines, and the specific silken luster is diagnostic of Swietenia macrophylla.