Santos Mahogany Wood Guide 2026
Myroxylon balsamum
Santos Mahogany is a dense, richly colored South American hardwood that is not a true mahogany despite its trade name. Its deep reddish-brown to purplish heartwood has an attractive interlocked grain that produces a striking ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn. Significantly harder than genuine Mahogany, Santos Mahogany is widely used for flooring, decking, and fine furniture where both visual appeal and durability are required.
Catalog Price Reference
Unverified catalog note: Not a true mahogany. Very hard exotic. Popular for flooring.
Unverified catalog reference, not a current offer. Supplier price source, quotation date and exact grade/milling basis are not recorded in these pricing fields. A page update is not price verification; freight and tax remain unknown until quoted. Enter a dated quote and build a specification.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 54 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina
- Catalog price ranges are unverified references, not available offers
- Common uses include Flooring, decking, stair components
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: Santos Mahogany has a fine to medium texture, often with interlocked or wavy grain.
Workability: It can be challenging to work due to its density and interlocked grain, often causing blunting of tools.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: It finishes smoothly and takes a high polish, but its natural oils can sometimes affect drying.
Color change: Heartwood is a reddish-brown with lighter or darker streaks, which darkens considerably over time to a deep reddish-brown.
Insect resistance: The heartwood is very resistant to termites and other wood-boring insects.
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 Santos 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) | Available in random widths, typically up to 8 inches. | Available in random lengths, often from 8 to 14 feet. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Available in random widths, typically up to 8 inches. | Available in random lengths, often from 8 to 14 feet. | Request this size |
| 6/4 | 1-1/2" | 1-5/16" | Available in random widths, typically up to 8 inches. | Available in random lengths, often from 8 to 14 feet. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Available in random widths, typically up to 8 inches. | Available in random lengths, often from 8 to 14 feet. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Available in random widths, typically up to 8 inches.
- Lengths
- Available in random lengths, often from 8 to 14 feet.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Available in random widths, typically up to 8 inches.
- Lengths
- Available in random lengths, often from 8 to 14 feet.
- 6/4rough 1-1/2"
- Surfaced
- 1-5/16"
- Widths
- Available in random widths, typically up to 8 inches.
- Lengths
- Available in random lengths, often from 8 to 14 feet.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Available in random widths, typically up to 8 inches.
- Lengths
- Available in random lengths, often from 8 to 14 feet.
Availability notes: Santos Mahogany is imported and generally available, though supply can fluctuate.
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: Deep reddish brown to burgundy with purplish undertones; distinct light-colored sapwood
Grain: Interlocked grain producing ribbon-stripe figure on quartersawn faces; medium to fine texture
Common Uses
- Flooring
- decking
- stair components
- fine furniture
- cabinetry
- turning
- architectural millwork
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Cabreuva, Balsamo, Quina, Toluifera
Availability: Supplier confirmation required; this reference is not live inventory.
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 2,400 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Very Durable
- Sourced from Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina
- Excellent density for wear resistance
Considerations
- Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
- Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
- Compare dated quotes on the same grade, dimensions and milling basis
- Availability may vary
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Santos Mahogany is unavailable or over budget.