Tanguile/Philippine Mahogany Wood Guide 2026
Shorea polysperma
Tanguile, commercially known as Philippine Mahogany, is a moderately dense Southeast Asian hardwood that has served as an affordable alternative to true Mahogany for decades. Its pinkish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood has an attractive ribbon-stripe figure on quartersawn surfaces and works easily with hand and machine tools. Widely used in furniture, boat building, and interior millwork, Tanguile offers a warm mahogany aesthetic at an accessible price.
Wood Appearance
Natural Grain
Finished Surface
Key Takeaways
- Density: 38 lbs/ft³
- Classification: Hardwood
- Origin: Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia
- Price: ~$5.5 per board foot
- Common uses include Furniture, boat building, interior millwork
Quick Facts
Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.
Durability, Stability & Workability
Texture: The wood features a coarse texture with typically interlocked grain.
Workability: Hand and machine tools produce good results though cutting edges may blunt.
Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.
Finishing: A smooth finish is achievable once the grain has been properly filled.
Color change: The light red to brown heartwood will darken with exposure to light.
Insect resistance: It is generally susceptible to attack by termites and powder post beetles.
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 Tanguile/Philippine 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 from 4 to 12 inches are standard for this species. | Random lengths from 6 to 16 feet are typically found in commercial stock. | Request this size |
| 5/4 | 1-1/4" | 1-1/16" | Random widths from 4 to 12 inches are standard for this species. | Random lengths from 6 to 16 feet are typically found in commercial stock. | Request this size |
| 8/4 | 2" | 1-3/4" | Random widths from 4 to 12 inches are standard for this species. | Random lengths from 6 to 16 feet are typically found in commercial stock. | Request this size |
- 4/4rough 1"
- Surfaced
- 13/16" (3/4" common)
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 12 inches are standard for this species.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 6 to 16 feet are typically found in commercial stock.
- 5/4rough 1-1/4"
- Surfaced
- 1-1/16"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 12 inches are standard for this species.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 6 to 16 feet are typically found in commercial stock.
- 8/4rough 2"
- Surfaced
- 1-3/4"
- Widths
- Random widths from 4 to 12 inches are standard for this species.
- Lengths
- Random lengths from 6 to 16 feet are typically found in commercial stock.
Availability notes: Availability is consistent although export restrictions can affect supply levels.
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: Pinkish brown to medium reddish brown heartwood; lighter tan sapwood
Grain: Interlocked grain producing ribbon-stripe on quartersawn faces; medium to coarse texture
Common Uses
- Furniture
- boat building
- interior millwork
- plywood
- veneer
- doors
- window frames
- cabinetry
Key Characteristics
Also known as: Philippine Mahogany, Lauan, Red Lauan, Tanguile
Availability: Special Order
Advantages
- Janka indentation hardness: 770 lbf
- Heartwood decay rating: Moderately Durable
- Sourced from Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia
- Affordable pricing
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 Tanguile/Philippine Mahogany is unavailable or over budget.
- Meranti
- Lauan
- Sapele1,410 lbf Janka
Related Species
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