What is mahogany wood?
The Wood Guide · The wood register
Tropical hardwood · referenceMahogany
Rich reddish brown, exceptionally stable and with a lustre that deepens with age. For centuries the wood of fine cabinetmaking.
- Family Meliaceae
- 520–650 kg/m³
- Class 2–3
Big-leaf mahoganySwietenia macrophylla
Mahogany in brief
The name covers several botanical species from the Meliaceae family — and that distinction determines what you get.
What gave mahogany its reputation is the combination of colour and behaviour: a warm reddish-brown tone that deepens over the years, and exceptional dimensional stability. It barely moves, it doesn’t split easily and it can be worked down to the finest detail. For a cabinet whose drawers still run smoothly after a hundred years, that is exactly what you need.
On the other hand, the classic species — American Swietenia — have become scarce through overexploitation and are strictly regulated. Most mahogany on the market today comes from Africa or from plantations.
- Family
- Meliaceae
- American
- Swietenia macrophylla, S. mahagoni
- African
- Khaya ivorensis, K. anthotheca
- Density
- 520–650 kg/m³
- Durability
- class 2–3
- Strength in
- stability and fine working
To be fair: mahogany is an indoor wood. Class 2–3 sounds reasonable, but outdoors it is no match for teak — and the rarity of genuine American mahogany makes origin a real question.
One name, two trees
“Mahogany” covers several botanical species from the Meliaceae family. American mahogany (Swietenia) comes from Central and South America, African mahogany (Khaya) from West and Central Africa. Both are sold as mahogany, but they differ noticeably.
Click a chapter or use the arrows · colour change and a hundred years of drawer speeded up, for illustration.
American and African mahogany
Both are sold as 'mahogany', but they come from different trees and differ noticeably.
Swietenia
From Central and South America. The classic mahogany of antique furniture.
- Swietenia macrophylla — big-leaf mahogany
- Swietenia mahagoni — small-leaf, very rare today
- 520–600 kg/m³, durability class 2–3
- Strictly regulated trade
Khaya
From West and Central Africa. The most widely traded mahogany today.
- Khaya ivorensis — Lagos mahogany
- Khaya anthotheca — white mahogany
- 530–650 kg/m³, durability class 3
- More widely available
'Mahogany' on a label doesn’t tell you which wood you are buying. Ask for the botanical name and the origin — the differences in durability, price and trade rules are considerable.
Technical properties
| Property | American mahogany | African mahogany |
|---|---|---|
| Density | 520–600 kg/m³ | 530–650 kg/m³ |
| Durability class | Class 2–3 | Class 3 |
| Colour | Rich reddish brown, deepens over the years | Slightly paler reddish brown |
| Stability | Excellent — barely moves | Very good |
| Workability | Excellent, even for fine detail work | Good; interlocked grain calls for sharp tools |
What mahogany is used for
Fine cabinetmaking
Cabinets, writing desks and tables where dimensional stability and a deep colour come together — the classic use.
Interior finishing
Panelling, doors and staircases at the upper end of the market.
Veneer
The even figure lends itself perfectly to veneer work.
Musical instruments
Guitar necks and backs: mahogany gives a warm, full tone.
Shipbuilding
Historically widely used for yacht interiors, thanks to its stability.
Frequently asked questions about mahogany
Can mahogany be used outdoors?
Better not. At class 2–3 it is less durable than teak, and it is too valuable to sacrifice outdoors. Mahogany is an indoor wood par excellence.
What is the difference between American and African mahogany?
American mahogany (Swietenia) is the classic wood of antique furniture: slightly more stable, deeper in colour, and rare and strictly regulated today. African mahogany (Khaya) is more widely available, slightly paler and with somewhat more interlocked grain.
Why is mahogany so expensive?
Because of its slow growth, the limited availability of the classic species and the trade rules that apply to Swietenia. The African alternative is noticeably cheaper.
Does mahogany darken over time?
Yes, and that is exactly its charm. The reddish-brown colour deepens with exposure to light and air — an antique mahogany piece has a tone you cannot imitate with stain.
Mahogany in perspective
Mahogany is a reference species in our register — wood we don’t use, but do know well.
Have a question about your project? Just ask — we're happy to help.
Khaya ivorensis · Swietenia macrophylla — Ian Alexander, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Swietenia macrophylla — Anish nellickal, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Photo via Wikimedia Commons: Swietenia macrophylla — Forestowlet, CC0