Mahogany Wood Guide 2026
Swietenia spp.
Typically described as classic premium tropical hardwood
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 43 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: Belize;Brazil
- Common uses include Furniture, Doors, Cabinetry
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Medium
Workability: Excellent machining, gluing and carving.
Fastening: Nails and screws well; pre-drilling generally not required.
Finishing: Finishes exceptionally well.
Color change: Pinkish brown deepens to reddish brown.
Insect resistance: Moderate
Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.
Common Sizes & Availability
Typical market availability for Mahogany. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.
| Thickness | Rough | Typical surfaced | Typical widths | Common lengths | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/4 | 1" | 13/16" (3/4" common) | Random widths 6–12 in. | Random lengths 8–16 ft | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths 6–12 in. | Random lengths 8–16 ft | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Random widths 6–12 in. | Random lengths 8–16 ft | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths 6–12 in. | Random lengths 8–16 ft | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths 6–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 8–16 ft
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths 6–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 8–16 ft
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Random widths 6–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 8–16 ft
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths 6–12 in.
- Lengths
- Random lengths 8–16 ft
Availability notes: Genuine (Swietenia) mahogany is CITES-listed and limited; African mahogany and Sapele are common substitutes.
How lumber sizes are described
- Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
- Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
- Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
- Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
- Nominal vs. actual
- Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
- Random width / length
- Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.
Color & Grain
Color: Reddish brown; golden luster
Grain: Straight to interlocked; fine texture
Common Uses
- Furniture
- Doors
- Cabinetry
- Boat interiors
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Genuine Mahogany;Honduran Mahogany
Availability: In Stock
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 800 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Durable
- Sourced from Belize;Brazil
Considerations
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
- Availability may vary
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Mahogany is unavailable or over budget.
- Sapele1,410 lbf Janka
- African Mahogany
- Cherry950 lbf Janka
Related Species
Compare This Wood
Maple vs Mahogany
Maple is the safest, most versatile choice for drummers who play multiple genres or need one kit that works everywhere. Mahogany is the specialist's choice — if you know you want warm, vintage tone, nothing else quite captures that character. Many professional drummers own both.
View comparisonMahogany vs Alder
Mahogany delivers superior warmth and sustain, making it the choice for players who want thick, creamy tone. Alder is the more versatile and comfortable option, excelling as a balanced platform that lets pickups and playing style define the sound. Your preferred genre and comfort requirements should drive this decision.
View comparisonMahogany vs Oak
Mahogany excels in elegance and workability. Oak wins on durability and value. Both make furniture that lasts generations when properly built and finished.
View comparisonIpe vs Mahogany
Ipe dramatically outperforms mahogany in every durability metric, lasting 2-3x longer. Mahogany offers a more workable, affordable entry to premium hardwood decking with its own distinctive beauty.
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