Genuine Mahogany typically grows in South American countries like Peru and Bolivia. However, due to recent CITES appendix changes, these exporters have been severely limited or (in Bolivia’s case) even halted. Because this wood is now seen as an endangered or unsustainable choice, many consumers shy away from it and instead gravitate towards alternatives such as Spanish cedar, Utile, Sapele, and African Mahogany.
Now that Spanish Cedar has come into such high demand, though, it too is rising in price and scarcity. It seems the time has come when the best alternative for Genuine Mahogany is not an alternative at all.
Genuine Mahogany vs. Plantation Grown
After the end of World War II, Genuine Mahogany planting was started in Fiji by the British. Most reputable exotic lumber suppliers, like J. Gibson McIlvain (one of the country’s oldest lumber suppliers), tend to avoid plantation grown lumber because generally speaking, plantation grown lumber is usually of lower quality.
However, unlike most plantations, which need to be artificially maintained and encouraged, the Fijian plantations exploded with naturally growing trees. The Genuine Mahogany species naturally replanted itself to form a forest environment. Multiple generations of trees growing naturally make Fijian Genuine Mahogany a very promising prospect.
Cheaper Genuine Mahogany
Sustainable management on a healthy plantation can, in fact, produce beautiful lumber. J. Gibson McIlvain expects Fijian Genuine Mahogany to only get better over time, as this lumber shows the signs of an older growth forest, making it comparable to the beloved and sustainable Genuine Mahogany of the past.
The price of this lumber is the same as Spanish Cedar, the best alternative on the market, and is even lower than South American Genuine Mahogany. As Spanish Cedar prices rise, more people will be looking to Fijian Genuine Mahogany for the best price and quality on the market.
Learn more about the lumber industry:
While there will always be a multitude of lumber suppliers to choose from, there are some that truly stand apart from the rest. McIlvain Company is one such supplier. With over 200 years of experience in the lumber industry, no one is better equipped to answer your questions about lumber types, wood projects, millwork, sustainability, or any other lumber-related topic. To learn more about McIlvain Company and to see their full selection of domestic and exotic hardwoods and softwoods, click here to visit them online, or check out these selections from their blog:
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