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Honduran Mahogany

Swietenia macrophylla

Also known as: American Mahogany, Genuine Mahogany, Big-Leaf Mahogany, Brazilian Mahogany, Caoba

Technical Spec Sheet

2026-07-14

Honduran Mahogany wood grain

Reference grain swatch

Janka Hardness
900 lbf (4,003 N)
Avg. Dried Weight
590 kg/m³ (37 lb/ft³)
Specific Gravity
0.59
Type
Hardwood
Grain
Straight, interlocked, irregular, or wavy. Rotaries show distinct growth rings.
Texture
Medium
Durability
Very Durable
Region
Unknown
Sustainability
Restricted — CITES Appendix II (Strictly Regulated). IUCN: Vulnerable due to historic overharvesting.

Overview

Honduran Mahogany is the yardstick by which all other cabinet woods are measured. It combines a rich, light-refracting beauty with mechanical stability so reliable that it became the foundation of fine furniture making in the 18th century and remains the premier choice for master craftsmen today.

Possesses a perfect balance of density and strength. It is lighter than Oak but remarkably strong for its weight. Its most prized attribute is its low coefficient of expansion, making it one of the most stable woods on earth.

Workshop Notes

Blunting Effect

Low; very easy on cutting edges.

Gluing

Excellent; one of the easiest woods to glue.

Finishing

Superior; takes stains, oils, and varnishes with ease. Grain filler is needed for a mirror glass surface.

Steam Bending

Good; responds well to steam bending.

Scent

None to faint; no distinctive odor.

Assessment

Strengths

  • The benchmark for woodworking workability
  • Incredible dimensional stability
  • Chatoyancy and luster (when figured)
  • Rot resistance suitable for boatbuilding

Weaknesses

  • Vulnerable to humidity changes if not properly seasoned
  • Grain can be fuzzy if tools are dull
  • CITES documentation required for export
  • High cost for genuine Swietenia

Common Uses

High-end cabinetry · Furniture (Chippendale style) · Boatbuilding · Pattern making · Musical instruments (Guitar bodies/necks) · Veneer