Red Mahogany
Scientific name: Eucalyptus resinifera
Overview
Red Mahogany is a dense Australian eucalyptus species valued for its strength, durability, and rich reddish coloration. Native to eastern Australia, the species is commonly found in coastal forests and has long been used in heavy construction, flooring, bridge work, and exterior applications where durability is essential.
The wood is typically reddish brown to deep red with a fairly uniform appearance and interlocked grain. Red Mahogany is considerably denser and harder than many temperate eucalyptus species, giving it strong wear resistance and structural performance.
Within the Oceania & Pacific hardwood cluster, Red Mahogany represents one of Australia’s classic heavy eucalyptus timbers used in both structural and decorative woodworking applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Red Mahogany
- Scientific Name: Eucalyptus resinifera
- Region: Oceania & Pacific Hardwoods (Australia)
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 55 lbs/ft³ (880 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 2,360 lbf
- Color: Reddish brown to dark red
- Grain: Interlocked to moderately irregular
- Texture: Medium and even
Identification Characteristics
Red Mahogany is identified by its dense structure, deep reddish coloration, and interlocked grain pattern. The wood often displays subtle ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces due to the interlocked grain structure common in many eucalyptus species.
The texture is generally uniform, and finished surfaces develop a smooth natural luster.
Key identification traits include:
- Reddish brown to dark red coloration
- Dense and heavy feel
- Interlocked grain structure
- Medium uniform texture
- Moderate ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces
- Strong natural durability
- Moderate natural luster
Working Properties
Red Mahogany is considered a durable but somewhat challenging woodworking species due to its density and interlocked grain. Sharp tooling and proper machining techniques are important for achieving clean surfaces.
- Machines moderately well with sharp carbide tools
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out
- Excellent wear resistance
- Strong nail and screw holding
- Good dimensional stability
- Turns well despite density
- Accepts finishes effectively
- Highly durable for heavy-use applications
Safety Note
Wood dust from Red Mahogany may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during woodworking operations.
Common Uses
Red Mahogany common uses including:
- Heavy construction
- Flooring
- Exterior joinery
- Decking
- Bridge timbers
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Railroad ties
- Decorative woodworking
Sustainability & Notes
Red Mahogany remains an important commercial timber species in Australia and is harvested from both managed forests and plantation resources in some regions.
The species is particularly valued for its combination of durability, hardness, and resistance to decay, making it useful for demanding structural and outdoor environments.
Its rich coloration and durability have also made it increasingly desirable in premium flooring and architectural woodworking applications.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Jarrah – Another dense Australian hardwood known for deep coloration, durability, and structural applications.
Red Ironbark – A heavier and even harder Australian eucalyptus species valued for extreme strength and wear resistance.
Spotted Gum – A popular Australian hardwood recognized for durability, varied coloration, and flooring applications.
Related Guides
Understanding Interlocked vs Straight Grain
Learn how grain direction affects machining, tear-out risk, stability, and wood appearance.
Machining Dense Tropical Hardwoods
Explore tooling and machining techniques for working with dense hardwood species safely and effectively.
Best Woods for Outdoor Use
Understand which wood species perform best in exterior environments and demanding weather conditions.
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
Red Mahogany samples are valued for their rich reddish coloration and dense structure. Well-prepared samples often display attractive ribbon figure and subtle interlocked grain patterns that become more visible under oil finishes.
The species is especially important within Australian hardwood collections because it represents one of the country’s traditional heavy-duty eucalyptus timbers.
Video Overview
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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.
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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
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