With all the Mahoganies on the market, it is easy to get confused. Determining genuine from true mahogany is simple. Genuine Mahogany and True Mahogany will have different scientific species names. Genuine mahogany comes from the family Meliaceae, species Swientenia, Khaya (African Mahogany) and Toona (Chinese Mahogany). True Mahogany is any other wood from the Meliaceae family that is commercially called Mahogany like New Zealand Mahogany (Dysoxylum spectabile). The original genuine Mahogany was Swientenia mahagoni known as either West Indian or Cuban Mahogany. Honduras Mahogany (Swientenia macrophylla), a close relation, was the next tree termed a Mahogany. Honduras Mahogany is a Genuine Mahogany with deep Native American roots.
Appearance
Honduras Mahogany is prized for its deep reddish-brown color, which tends to deepen over time or with staining. Excellent workability has made this wood a favorite for machining, cutting and planning. Exceptional strength and density make this lumber perfect for myriads of outdoor applications such as decks, boats and patio furniture. Additionally, Honduras Mahogany is rot resistant and receives most stains very well. Air and kiln drying produce little warping and checking. Additionally, shrinkage and other movements are at a minimum with Honduras Mahogany.
Applications
Indoor and outdoor applications abound for this high profile lumber. Honduras Mahogany is wonderful for decking because of its rot resistance and strength. The lumber will withstand the elements for a sturdy beautiful deck. Fading color is not an issue because the sun only darkens this wood, bringing out the deep red tones in a rich brown finish. These properties also make it perfect for boats and exterior millwork. Furniture applications are still prolific for this lumber. Lastly, Mahogany cabinets are prized for their beautiful durability.
Investing in Mahogany for a project is a good choice; however, the price will be higher than other lumbers. Thus, great care is crucial during transit and installation. Regardless of the application, Mahogany will dent if a blunt object hits it with force. Additionally, Honduras Mahogany is on the CITES protected lists, therefore it may come from plantations in Asia instead of native woods in Central and South America.
J. Gibson McIlvain, a hardwood wholesale lumber supplier, strives to source wood outside of plantations in order to insure better quality. Legal, affordable, eco-friendly Honduras Mahogany comes into the McIlvain lumber yards and leaves in top-quality custom orders.
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