Mahogany (specifically African Mahogany or Honduran Mahogany)
Swietenia macrophylla or Khaya ivorensis · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and South America (for American Mahogany) or Tropical West Africa (for African Mahogany)
- Hardness
- 900 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Durable
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; features subtle ribbon or block-like striping characteristic of quarter-sawn tropical hardwoods.
Color & Appearance
Reddish-brown to deep pinkish-red heartwood that darkens significantly to a rich, deep reddish-brown or golden brown with exposure to light over time. Sapwood is typically yellowish-white and clearly demarcated.
Hardness (Janka)
900 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 18.00 USD per board foot depending on grade and exact species.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately seasoned lumber, likely 5 to 15 years old based on surface oxidation and dry milling marks.
- Sustainability Status
- True Honduran Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) is listed on CITES Appendix II and strictly regulated; African Mahogany (Khaya) is generally more available but faces regional logging pressures.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, boat building, musical instruments (guitars, piano cases), carving, and interior millwork.
Geographic Origin
Central and South America (for American Mahogany) or Tropical West Africa (for African Mahogany)
Workability
Exceptional workability with both hand and machine tools. Glues, stains, and finishes very well, though interlocked grain can occasionally cause minor tearout during planing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, shellac, lacquer, and varnish exceptionally well without requiring extensive pore filling, though a grain filler can be used for a perfectly smooth glass-like finish.
Notable Features
Possesses a natural chatoyancy (golden sheen under light), stable dimensional properties once dried, and moderate natural resistance to rot and decay.
