Mahogany (Tropical)

Mahogany, Tropical American (Swietenia macrophylla) Peruvian, Brazilian, Tabasco, Honduras, Mexican, Guatemalan, Nicaraguan, Jamaica (Brazilian marketed as Amazon Mahogany). Source: Mexico, Brazil, Peru and Central America (espe­cially Honduras). Color: Varies from a light reddish or yellowish-brown to a rich, dark red, depending upon country of origin and situation. Most supplies tend to be yellowish-tan, changing on brief exposure to rich, golden brown. Pattern; A considerable variety of figures, similar to African Mahogany except crotches are not readily available. Straighter grain generally. Location influences appearance also. Characteristics: Lighter and softer than Cuban; mostly, straight-grained but even when inter­locked is exceptionally stable; more mellow texture than Cuban (West Indian); extremely good strength properties; works well; stains and finishes well; durable and decay-resistant; Central America produces more figured logs for fancy veneers. Uses: Furniture; paneling; fine joinery; boats and ships; pattern-making; exterior uses. Availability: Readily available-Central American in veneer (plain and quarter sliced, half-round); readily available as lumber. Brazilian and Peruvian, readily available. Price Range: Average.