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.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 54 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina
- Price: ~$10 per board foot
- 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: In Stock
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
- Availability may vary
Frequently Asked Questions
Alternatives to Consider
Species commonly specified for similar applications when Santos Mahogany is unavailable or over budget.
Related Species
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