Mahogany
Swietenia macrophylla
Hardness
On the soft side; easy to work, but marks with hard use.
Overview
The legendary furniture wood, stable, easy to work, and beautiful. Increasingly costly and subject to sourcing/sustainability concerns.
Commonly built
- Acoustic guitars
- Boat trim & decking
- Antique-style desks
- Carved cabinets
- Humidors
Appearance
Reddish-brown deepening with age; often ribbon-stripe figure.
Recommended uses
Uses to avoid
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Works like a dream with any tool, exceptionally stable, finishes superbly. Source responsibly, look for FSC certification, as some mahogany trade is restricted (CITES Appendix II).
Wood movement
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn mahogany panel moves roughly 0.22 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content). Use the wood movement calculator to run your own board size and moisture range.
How much does Mahogany move? → See flatsawn vs. quartersawn figures and a worked example.
Common questions
How hard is Mahogany?
Mahogany has a Janka hardness of 800 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is Mahogany suitable for outdoor use?
Mahogany is best used indoors; it is not naturally suited to sustained outdoor or wet conditions.
How easy is Mahogany to work with?
Mahogany has Excellent workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
How much does Mahogany move seasonally?
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn mahogany panel moves roughly 0.22 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content).
Finishing notes
A premier finishing wood: takes stain and dye evenly, and its open grain is traditionally filled (often with a dark filler for a classic look) before a film finish for a glass-smooth surface. Beautiful under oil, shellac (French polish), and lacquer. Color deepens and reddens with age and light. A joy to finish.
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used mahogany, reviewed before they appear here.
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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.