Honduran Mahogany
Scientific Name: Swietenia macrophylla
Overview
Honduran Mahogany, also known as Bigleaf Mahogany, is one of the most historically significant hardwoods in the world. Native to Central America and extending into parts of South America, it has long been prized for its balance of beauty, workability, and stability.
For centuries, it has been used in fine furniture, cabinetry, boat building, and architectural millwork. Its moderate density and excellent machining characteristics make it a benchmark species against which other hardwoods are often compared.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Honduran Mahogany (Genuine Mahogany)
- Scientific Name: Swietenia macrophylla
- Region: Central American Hardwoods (Central America & Northern South America)
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 37 lbs/ft³ (595 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 900 lbf
- Color: Pinkish brown to reddish brown, darkening with age
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
Honduran Mahogany is most easily identified by its warm reddish-brown tone and straight, even grain. It develops a richer, deeper color over time when exposed to light.
When quartersawn, it may display subtle ribbon stripe effects.
Key identification traits include:
- Uniform pinkish to reddish-brown coloration
- Straight grain pattern
- Medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
- Light sapwood clearly distinct from heartwood
Working Properties
Honduran Mahogany is widely regarded as one of the easiest tropical hardwoods to work.
- Machines cleanly with minimal tear-out
- Turns and carves exceptionally well
- Glues and finishes reliably
- Sands to a smooth surface
- Excellent dimensional stability
Its balance of strength and workability makes it ideal for both structural and decorative applications.
Safety Note
Mahogany dust may cause mild irritation in sensitive individuals. Standard dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
Honduran Mahogany is widely used in:
- Fine furniture
- Cabinetry
- Boat building
- Architectural millwork
- Carvings
- Musical instruments
Its versatility has made it one of the most iconic hardwoods in global woodworking history.
Sustainability & Notes
Swietenia macrophylla is listed under CITES Appendix II, meaning international trade is regulated to ensure sustainable management. Legally harvested and certified material is available through responsible suppliers.
Availability may vary depending on forestry regulations and export controls.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
African Mahogany – A commonly used substitute with similar reddish-brown color and workability, though typically slightly coarser in grain.
Sapele – Another African hardwood often compared to mahogany due to its strength and decorative grain, frequently used in furniture and millwork.
Spanish Cedar – A lighter aromatic hardwood often used for cabinetry and humidors, sharing some similar working characteristics with mahogany.
Related Guides
African Mahogany vs. Genuine Mahogany – Compare African Mahogany and Genuine Mahogany, including color, grain, workability, stability, durability, availability, and how each species performs in furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, and fine woodworking.
Best Woods for Furniture Making
Explore the top wood species used in furniture making, based on strength, stability, workability, and overall appearance.
Understanding CITES & Protected Species
Some tropical hardwoods are protected or regulated to ensure sustainable harvesting and international trade.
Best Woods for Guitar Building
Explore Best Woods for Guitar Building to see how this species can be used in instrument construction and how it compares with other important tonewoods.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
Honduran Mahogany represents the foundational Central American hardwood. Well-seasoned boards deepen in color and develop a rich patina over time.
Collectors often prefer straight-grained, uniform boards for furniture and carving applications. It serves as a benchmark species within any serious hardwood reference collection.
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
Learn more about contributing to the collection:
Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — see the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources.
Related Tools & Products:
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• 800W Compact Wood Router Tool Kit with 15-Piece Router Bit Set for trimming, edge work, and shaping wood surfaces
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• IRWIN Quick-Grip One-Handed Mini Bar Clamps for holding woodworking pieces securely during assembly and glue-ups
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