{"id":117,"date":"2008-12-19T18:09:16","date_gmt":"2008-12-20T00:09:16","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.wood-database.com\/?p=117"},"modified":"2025-07-19T04:18:06","modified_gmt":"2025-07-19T09:18:06","slug":"honduran-mahogany","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.wood-database.com\/honduran-mahogany\/","title":{"rendered":"Honduran Mahogany"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/i><\/a> > Hardwoods<\/a> > Meliaceae<\/a> > Swietenia<\/i> <\/a>> <\/strong>macrophylla<\/i>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\tDATA SOURCE(S):<\/a> <\/span>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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\"\"<\/a>
Honduran mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla)<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Common Name(s):<\/strong><\/a> Honduran mahogany, genuine mahogany, big-leaf mahogany, Brazilian mahogany, American mahogany<\/p>\n

Scientific Name:<\/strong><\/a> Swietenia macrophylla<\/i><\/p>\n

Distribution:<\/strong><\/a> From Southern Mexico to central South America; also commonly grown on plantations<\/p>\n

Tree Size:<\/strong><\/a> 150\u2013200 ft (40\u201360 m)<\/span> tall,
                     3\u20136 ft (1\u20132 m)<\/span> trunk diameter<\/p>\n

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC):<\/strong>SPECIFIC GRAVITY<\/b>
Specific gravity is the ratio of a wood\u2019s density to water (with water being 1.00). Two values are provided: basic SG (oven-dry weight & green volume) and SG at 12% MC (weight & volume at 12% moisture content).

Click on the link “Specific Gravity” for more details.<\/span><\/a> 0.52, 0.59<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Average Dried Weight:<\/strong>AVERAGE DRIED WEIGHT<\/b>
\nDensity is the measurement of a wood\u2019s weight per unit volume. Here, \"dried weight\" specifically refers to wood at 12% moisture content, and values are given in pounds per cubic foot and kilograms per cubic meter. Also keep in mind that density commonly varies by +\/- 10% from the average.
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\nClick on the link \"Average Dried Weight\" for more details.<\/span><\/a> 36.8 lbs\/ft3<\/sup> (590 kg\/m3<\/sup>)<\/span> Low WEIGHT TIERS<\/b>
\nExtremely Low:<\/b>     0+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nVery Low:<\/b>   420+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nLow:<\/b>   520+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nMedium-Low:<\/b>   620+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nMedium:<\/b>   730+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nMedium-High:<\/b>   840+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nHigh:<\/b>   960+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nVery High:<\/b> 1,080+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\nExtremely High:<\/b> 1,200+ kg\/m3<\/sup>
\n<\/span> Tiers are based on CSIRO provisional strength groupings (SD1-SD8) based on density.<\/i> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Janka Hardness:<\/strong>JANKA HARDNESS<\/b>
\nThis test measures a wood\u2019s resistance to indentation, and is the pounds of force (or Newtons) required to embed a .444\" (11.28 mm) diameter steel ball halfway into the wood. Values are for side grain, measured at 12% MC.
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\nClick on the link \"Janka Hardness\" for more details.<\/span><\/a> 900 lbf<\/sub> (4,020 N)<\/span> Low JANKA HARDNESS TIERS<\/b>
\nExtremely Low:<\/b>      0+ N
\nVery Low:<\/b>  2,050+ N
\nLow:<\/b>  3,150+ N
\nMedium-Low:<\/b>  4,480+ N
\nMedium:<\/b>  6,280+ N
\nMedium-High:<\/b>  8,380+ N
\nHigh:<\/b> 11,080+ N
\nVery High:<\/b> 14,000+ N
\nExtremely High:<\/b> 17,450+ N
\n<\/span> Tiers are derived from CSIRO provisional strength classifications (SD1-SD8) in conjunction with the USDA's estimated hardness based on density.<\/i> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Modulus of Rupture:<\/strong>MODULUS OF RUPTURE<\/b>
\nSometimes called bending strength, this test measures a wood\u2019s strength before breaking (i.e., rupturing). Values are given in pounds of force per square inch and megapascals, measured at 12% MC.
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\nClick on the link \"Modulus of Rupture\" for more details.<\/span><\/a> 11,710 lbf<\/sub>\/in2<\/sup> (80.8 MPa)<\/span> Medium MOR TIERS<\/b>
\nExtremely Low:<\/b>   0+ MPa
\nVery Low:<\/b>  45+ MPa
\nLow:<\/b>  55+ MPa
\nMedium-Low:<\/b>  65+ MPa
\nMedium:<\/b>  78+ MPa
\nMedium-High:<\/b>  94+ MPa
\nHigh:<\/b> 110+ MPa
\nVery High:<\/b> 130+ MPa
\nExtremely High:<\/b> 150+ MPa
\n<\/span> Tiers are based on CSIRO strength classifications (SD1-SD8).<\/i> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Elastic Modulus:<\/strong>MODULUS OF ELASTICITY<\/b>
\nThis test measures the wood\u2019s level of deformation when under a given load. Higher values indicate less deformation (i.e., stiffer). Values are given in pounds of force per square inch and gigapascals, measured at 12% MC.
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\nClick on the link \"Elastic Modulus\" for more details.<\/span><\/a> 1,458,000 lbf<\/sub>\/in2<\/sup> (10.06 GPa)<\/span> Low MOE TIERS<\/b>
\nExtremely Low:<\/b>    0+ GPa
\nVery Low:<\/b>  7.9+ GPa
\nLow:<\/b>  9.1+ GPa
\nMedium-Low:<\/b> 10.5+ GPa
\nMedium:<\/b> 12.5+ GPa
\nMedium-High:<\/b> 14.0+ GPa
\nHigh:<\/b> 16.0+ GPa
\nVery High:<\/b> 18.5+ GPa
\nExtremely High:<\/b> 21.5+ GPa
\n<\/span> Tiers are based on CSIRO strength classifications (SD1-SD8).<\/i> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Crushing Strength:<\/strong>CRUSHING STRENGTH<\/b>
\nAlso called compression strength, this test measures the maximum stress sustained before failure. Force is applied parallel<\/i> to the grain (producing stress akin to chair legs). Values are given in pounds of force per square inch and megapascals, measured at 12% MC.
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\nClick on the link \"Crushing Strength\" for more details.<\/span><\/a> 6,760 lbf<\/sub>\/in2<\/sup> (46.6 MPa)<\/span> Medium-Low CRUSHING STRENGTH TIERS<\/b>
\nExtremely Low:<\/b>  0+ MPa
\nVery Low:<\/b> 30+ MPa
\nLow:<\/b> 36+ MPa
\nMedium-Low:<\/b> 41+ MPa
\nMedium:<\/b> 47+ MPa
\nMedium-High:<\/b> 54+ MPa
\nHigh:<\/b> 61+ MPa
\nVery High:<\/b> 70+ MPa
\nExtremely High:<\/b> 80+ MPa
\n<\/span> Tiers are based on CSIRO strength classifications (SD1-SD8).<\/i> <\/span> <\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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Shrinkage:<\/strong>SHRINKAGE<\/b>
\nThese values represent the percentage change in radial and tangential faces of the wood\u2014as well as the total (volumetric) shrinkage\u2014as the moisture content goes from green (maximum) down to oven-dry (minimum), approximating the wood's stability with changes in humidity. T\/R ratio helps to estimate the uniformity of the shrinkage across different wood faces.
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\nClick on the link \"Shrinkage\" for more details.<\/span><\/a> Radial: 2.9%, Tangential: 4.3%<\/span> Low SHRINKAGE TIERS<\/b>
\n Very Low:<\/b>   0%+   
\nLow:<\/b> 3.6%+   
\nMedium:<\/b> 5.1%+   
\nHigh:<\/b> 6.6%+   
\nVery High:<\/b> 8.1%+   
\n<\/span> Tiers are based on tangential shrinkage (green to oven-dry) from CSIRO shrinkage classifications (1-5).<\/i> <\/span> <\/span>\n
                          Volumetric: 7.5%, T\/R Ratio: 1.5<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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 <\/i>Identification<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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IUCN Status:<\/b><\/a>
Endangered<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t

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CITES Status:<\/b><\/a>
Appendix II<\/span><\/p>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t

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Color\/Appearance:<\/strong><\/a> Heartwood color can vary a fair amount, from a pale pinkish brown to a darker reddish brown. Color tends to darken with age. Mahogany also exhibits an optical phenomenon known as chatoyancy.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Grain\/Texture:<\/a> <\/strong>Grain can be straight, interlocked, irregular or wavy. Texture is medium and uniform, with moderate natural luster.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Rot Resistance:<\/a><\/strong> Varies from moderately durable to very durable depending on density and growing conditions of the tree. (Older, wild-grown trees tend to produce darker, heavier, and more durable lumber, while plantation-grown stock can be lighter in weight, paler in color, and slightly less rot resistant.) Heartwood is generally resistant to termites, but vulnerable to other insects.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Workability:<\/strong><\/a> Typically very easy to work with both hand and machine tools. (With exception to sections with figured or irregular grain, which can tearout or chip during machining.) Slight dulling of cutters can occur. Sands very easily. Turns, glues, stains, and finishes well.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Odor:<\/a> <\/strong>No characteristic odor.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Allergies\/Toxicity:<\/strong><\/a> Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Honduran mahogany has been reported as a sensitizer<\/a>. Usually most common reactions simply include eye, skin and respiratory irritation, as well as less common effects, such as boils, asthma-like symptoms, nausea, giddiness, and hypersensitivity pneumonitis. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity<\/a> and Wood Dust Safety<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Pricing\/Availability:<\/strong><\/a> Despite export restrictions, Honduran mahogany continues to be available in lumber or veneer form, ideally from plantations. (Though because of CITES restrictions, most US-based retailers are unable to ship the wood internationally.) Prices are in the mid range for an imported hardwood, though the wood tends to be more expensive than African mahogany (Khaya spp.)<\/em><\/a>. Figured or quartersawn lumber is also more expensive.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

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Sustainability:<\/strong><\/a> This wood species is in CITES Appendix II, and is on the IUCN Red List. It is listed as endangered due to a population reduction of over 60% in the past three generations (180 years), caused by a decline in its natural range, and exploitation. Although a lot of mahogany today is plantation-grown (with wild supplies more or less exhausted in the northern parts of its range), there still exists “heavy harvest pressure” on wild trees in the southern areas of its range\u2014particularly Brazil and Bolivia.[1]<\/sup><\/a>Barstow, M. & Negr\u00e3o, R. 2023. Swietenia macrophylla<\/i>.\u00a0The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species<\/i> 2023.<\/a> Accessed on\u00a023 June 2025.<\/span><\/span>