Wood Guide
Genuine Mahogany
Swietenia macrophylla
Lightweight for a hardwood with excellent stability and a warm reddish tone. Classic for fine furniture, instruments, and high‑end millwork.
Overview
Soft shimmer with subtle ribbon on quartered surfaces; color deepens with age.
Maker’s note: Select straight‑grained stock for stability; interlocked boards can tear.
Appearance
Heartwood
Warm Reddish Brown
Warm Reddish Brown
Sapwood
Pale Tan
Pale Tan
Grain
Straight
Texture Medium
Luster High
Properties
Janka hardness
800 lbf
800 lbf
Density
590 kg/m³
590 kg/m³
MOR
103 MPa
103 MPa
Crushing strength
46 MPa
46 MPa
Shrink (radial)
3.8%
3.8%
Shrink (tangential)
5.5%
5.5%
Shrink (volumetric)
8.8%
8.8%
Movement
Low
Low
Steam bending
Good
Good
Values are typical; verify with your supplier.
Workability & Safety
Machining
Machines and carves easily; watch for tear‑out on interlocked grain.
Hand tools
Carves and planes beautifully with keen edges.
Turning
Turns cleanly and polishes to a deep luster.
Sanding schedule 120 → 150 → 180 → 220
Gluing Good
Finishing notes Takes dyes and shellac exceptionally well; pore filling yields mirror gloss.
Silica present
Blunting effect Low
Food contact OK
Toxicity flags
Toxicity notes Use normal dust PPE.
Sourcing & Sustainability
Buy FSC or verified legal; many regions have restrictions—check paperwork.
FSC available
Pricing —
Notes: Prices vary by origin and certification; figured stock commands premiums. • Updated:
Uses & Positioning
Avoid for Heavy wear floors
A classic fine‑work wood; prioritize certified supply and straight grain.
Gallery
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