Honduras Mahagony

(Swietenia macrophylla)

Often referred to in the wood trade as Tropical American mahogany, Honduras mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) grows throughout much of Central and South America, including southern Mexico. However, the first mahogany discovered by Spanish explorers was Cuban mahogany (Swietenia mahogoni), a species no longer commercially available. Another true mahogany exists in Africa, In the tropical forest, Honduras mahogany sometimes attains 150' heights and diameters of 72". Trees planted and grown for lumber on plantations (found in mahogany's natural range and the South Pacific), run smaller. Honduras mahogany wood has straight, semi-open grain and a color that ranges from yellow-brown to dark red, depending on where it grows. With age, though, mahogany of all colors becomes a rich, dark red-brown. The wood also may display exceptional fiddleback, quilt, and ribbon-stripe figure. A bit lighter than maple at 32 pounds per cubic foot, Honduras mahogany matches oak in strength. The wood also with stands moisture, resists fire and decay, and remains stable in use. It is also referred to as, Big-Leaf Mahogany, Honduran Mahogany, American Mahogany and Brazilian Mahogany but it's true scientific name is Swietenia macrophylla.

Honduras Mahogany Lumber is very easy to work with tools as well as machines well with an exception of slightly dulling of cutters can occur. Easy on glues, stains, sanding, and finishes.