Toona
Scientific name: Toona sinensis
Overview
Toona is a moderately lightweight hardwood native to East and Southeast Asia, commonly referred to as Chinese Mahogany due to its similar appearance and workability. Despite the name, it is not part of the Swietenia genus and differs in density and durability.
It is widely used in furniture and interior applications, valued for its ease of machining, stable structure, and warm color tones.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: Toona (Chinese Mahogany)
- Scientific Name: Toona sinensis
- Region: Asian Hardwoods
- Tree Size: 50–80 ft tall, 2–4 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 25–32 lbs/ft³
- Janka Hardness: ~600 lbf
- Color: Reddish-brown to light brown
- Grain: Straight
- Texture: Medium
Identification Characteristics
Toona typically ranges from light to medium reddish-brown, sometimes resembling true mahogany in appearance. The grain is usually straight, and the texture is medium, giving the wood a clean and uniform look. It generally lacks dramatic figure but offers a consistent, workable surface.
Key identification traits include:
- Light to medium reddish-brown color
- Straight grain
- Uniform appearance
- Medium texture
- Moderate natural luster
Working Properties
Toona is considered easy to work and performs well in most woodworking processes.
- Machines easily with minimal resistance
- Cuts cleanly with hand and power tools
- Gluing and finishing are straightforward
- Good dimensional stability
- Lower density limits heavy-duty durability
Safety Note
No significant toxicity is commonly reported, though standard precautions should be used to avoid inhaling wood dust.
Common Uses
Toona is commonly used in furniture and interior woodworking applications.
- Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Interior paneling
- Doors
- Carvings
- Light construction
Sustainability & Notes
Toona species are generally fast-growing and widely cultivated, making them a relatively sustainable resource. They are commonly used in plantation forestry and local woodworking industries across Asia.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Honduran Mahogany (Swietenia spp.) – Denser and more durable, while Toona is lighter and less resistant to wear.
African Mahogany – Typically heavier and more interlocked in grain, while Toona is straighter and lighter.
Spanish Cedar – Spanish Cedar is often compared to Toona due to its lightweight nature, workability, and use in furniture and interior woodworking.
Related Guides
Plantation vs Wild-Harvested Hardwood
Relevant due to Toona’s widespread plantation growth.
Wood Strength and Hardness Guide
Provides context for its moderate strength and durability.
Finishing Oils vs Polyurethane on Exotic Species
Useful for enhancing its natural reddish tone.
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
Toona is an important comparative species that helps bridge the gap between true mahogany and lighter Asian hardwoods. Its inclusion provides context for naming conventions in the wood industry and highlights how similar-looking species can differ significantly in performance.
Share Your Photos of This Species
Do you have lumber, wood samples, tree photographs, woodworking projects, furniture, carvings, turnings, musical instruments, or other items made from this species?
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When submitting photos, please include the common name, scientific name (if known), a brief description, and any information you would like us to share with the image.
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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