Articles: Mahogany Timber

Mahogany is a term regularly thrown around in the timber industry, the trouble is, there are a number of different species it can relate to. As a mixed species there are a number of species that can claim the Mahogany titles, but which ones can you trust?

To start with we need to know what is the make up of what is called "True Mahogany"

  1. Workability

Any species claiming to be Mahogany needs to be easy to work with, so they can be sanded and machined with ease.

  1. Stability

Alongside other tropical species, mahogany is incredibly stable in changing environments. This means that there will be limited warping of the timber.

  1. Appearance

The timber is mostly knot free and available in larger sizes than some other timbers.

True Mahogany

Usually any species in the Swietenia Genus is classed as true Mahogany. This is true for Cuban and Honduran Mahogany, these southern American timbers are superb quality, currently only the Honduran is readily available and is sold under a multitude of common names. To make sure you have the correct one check the scientific name: Swietenia macrophylla.

Mahogany iWood Supplies

Although they are not true Mahogany’s both Sapele and Utile are classed as a member of the species. Both are readily available and great value for money. Of the two Sapele is more stable but is more difficult to work with due to an interlocked grain. Utile is lighter in colour than Sapele.

Both of these woods are actually closely related and both live under the same Entandrophragma Genus.

Sapele
Ideal for internal joinery and readily available, this timber is amazingly popular. Although working with the wood can be tough, the wood does take a finish well, so it’s worth sticking with to get the desired end result.

Utile
This timber has similar uses to Sapele, unfortunately though it isn’t as readily available. It can be sourced, however due to sporadic supply we can’t guarantee what sizes are available until we make enquiries.