Honduran Mahogany
Swietenia macrophylla • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked, with a fine to medium uniform texture and visible long vessel lines on the face grain.
Color Description
Medium reddish-brown heartwood with a natural golden luster. Wood tends to darken over time with light exposure. Sapwood is a lighter yellowish-white but is not present here.
Hardness Rating
800 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Durable; very resistant to termites and decay, though it possesses moderate resistance to marine borers.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (guitar backs/sides), boat building, and architectural millwork/trim.
Geographic Origin
Native to Southern Mexico and Central and South America; extensively grown on plantations.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
30-50 years based on the oxidation of the finish and the style of the molded architectural trim.
Sustainability Status
CITES Appendix II listed; IUCN Red List status: Vulnerable. FSC certification is available for some sources.
Workability
Excellent workability with both hand and machine tools. It planes, glues, and finishes very well, though interlocked grain can occasionally cause tearout.
Notable Features
Famous for its dimensional stability and iconic reddish chatoyance. It has a mild, pleasant scent when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Traditional grain filler followed by lacquer or shellac to highlight the chatoyance; oil-based polyurethane for modern durability.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of diffused-porous vessel structure, specific reddish-brown patina, and application as high-quality millwork is classic for Swietenia.