White Mahogany
Scientific name: Eucalyptus acmenoides
Overview
White Mahogany is a durable Australian eucalyptus species valued for its strength, stability, and versatility in both structural and appearance-grade woodworking applications. Native to eastern Australia, the species is commonly found in coastal and subcoastal forests where it grows into tall, straight-trunked trees suitable for high-quality timber production.
The wood is typically pale brown to light yellow brown with a relatively uniform appearance and subtle grain figure. White Mahogany is known for balancing good durability with improved workability compared to some of Australia’s densest eucalyptus species.
Within the Oceania & Pacific hardwood cluster, White Mahogany represents one of Australia’s important medium-to-heavy utility hardwoods used in flooring, construction, joinery, and exterior applications.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: White Mahogany
- Scientific Name: Eucalyptus acmenoides
- Region: Oceania & Pacific Hardwoods (Australia)
- Tree Size: 100–160 ft tall, 3–5 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 52 lbs/ft³ (835 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,910 lbf
- Color: Pale brown to light yellow brown
- Grain: Straight to slightly interlocked
- Texture: Medium and even
Identification Characteristics
White Mahogany is identified by its relatively uniform pale coloration, moderate density, and clean grain structure. The wood often displays subtle ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces due to mild interlocked grain patterns.
Compared to darker eucalyptus species, White Mahogany generally has a lighter and more understated appearance while still retaining excellent durability.
Key identification traits include:
- Pale brown to light golden coloration
- Medium uniform texture
- Straight to slightly interlocked grain
- Moderate natural luster
- Dense but not excessively heavy feel
- Subtle ribbon figure on quartersawn surfaces
- Smooth finished appearance
Working Properties
White Mahogany is considered one of the more workable durable eucalyptus species and performs well in both structural and finish woodworking applications.
- Machines reasonably well with sharp tools
- Good dimensional stability
- Moderate resistance to tear-out
- Accepts finishes effectively
- Strong nail and screw holding strength
- Good wear resistance
- Sands to a smooth surface
- Reliable durability for exterior use
Safety Note
Wood dust from White Mahogany may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Proper dust collection and respiratory protection are recommended during woodworking operations.
Common Uses
White Mahogany common uses including:
- Flooring
- Furniture
- Exterior joinery
- Decking
- Heavy construction
- Cabinetry
- Structural timber
- Interior trim
- Utility applications
Sustainability & Notes
White Mahogany remains an important commercial timber species within Australia and is harvested from managed forestry operations.
The species is valued for offering a balance between strength, durability, and workability, making it suitable for a wide range of applications from structural use to finished interior woodworking.
Its lighter coloration also makes it desirable in projects where a cleaner and less visually aggressive eucalyptus appearance is preferred.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Sydney Blue Gum – A denser Australian eucalyptus species commonly used for flooring and structural applications.
Tallowwood – An Australian hardwood valued for stability, durability, and resistance to moisture and insects.
Blackbutt – Another widely used Australian hardwood known for structural utility, flooring, and general construction applications.
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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
White Mahogany samples are appreciated for their clean pale appearance and balanced combination of density and workability. Well-finished samples often display subtle ribbon figure and attractive natural luster.
The species is especially useful within Australian eucalyptus collections because it represents a practical commercial hardwood positioned between lighter utility timbers and extremely dense structural eucalyptus species.
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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:
• Gorilla All Purpose Wood Filler, Natural Finish (16 oz) for filling cracks, holes, gouges, and imperfections before sanding, staining, or painting woodworking projects
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• DEWALT DPG82 Concealer Anti-Fog Safety Goggles for protecting your eyes from sawdust, wood chips, and flying debris during cutting, sanding, and routing
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• WORKPRO Folding Roller Stand with Adjustable Height for supporting long boards, plywood, and lumber during table saw, miter saw, and woodworking operations
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