MAHOGANY TYPES

South American Mahogany. ( Swietenia Macrophylla) the 'top of the range' of all the Mahoganies( both as to be qualities and price). The classic characteristics of this timber are its stability and durability along with its world renowned beauty and versatility. One well recognised feature is the way in which this timber gradually darkens in colour on exposure from a red / brown colour to a rich dark red . Density : 540 kg/m3 or 34 pounds / cubic foot.

African Mahogany (Khaya Ivorensis) is considered by some to be more attractive in grain structure to South American Mahogany. This is because the grain patterns of African Mahogany can vary so widely, particularly in the backsawn face. Some people prefer the startling ribbon grain appearance of quarter sawn Mahogany. The colour of this timber varies from gold through brown to red / brown. African Mahogany is more available and less expensive than South American Mahogany.

Density : 540kg / m3 or 34 pounds / cubic foot. Plantation Mahogany ( Grown in Fiji) (Swietenia Macrophylla) this timber is the product of commercial plantations of the South American tree grown in Fiji. Because the timber is grown in managed plantations, branch trimmings cause a birdseye like effect on the face of the boards. Generally speaking, the characteristics are similar to the South American species described above. However the plantations lack the maturity of the South American product. One outcome is a recognisable difference in stability. Density : 540 kg / m3 or 34 pounds / cubic foot.

Eastern Mahogany (Chukrassia Tabularis) this member of Mahogany family originates from Malaysia. In its colouring it more closely resembles a Walnut. It is now highly prized in Great Britain for its use as a high class cabinet and furniture timber. It is hard, stable and produces a lustrous finish. It is generally available in wide boards ( up to 300 mil) and is reasonably priced Density : 800 kg / m3 or 55 pounds / cubic foot.

Amoora (Amoora Cucullata ) this is another member of the Mahogany family which grows in countries spread as widely as the Solomon Islands, New Guinea and Malaysia. It is red to red / brown, stable, hard, durable and yet it turns well and produces a mahogany type finish at a much lower cost than either South American or African Mahogany. Density : 550 kg / m3 or 34 pounds / cubic foot.

Rose Mahogany ( Dysoxylon Fraserianum. Also know as New South Wakes Rosewood) Grown in northern New South Wales and Queensland this is another member of the Meliaceae family and hence is a true mahogany. The timber is however considerably harder, heavier than South American or African Mahogany. It is nonetheless a very beautiful red timber. Density: 750kg / m3 or 47 pounds / cubic foot.

Sapele Mahogany ( Entandrophrangma Cylindricum) also known as Sapele wood (originally shipped from Nigerian port of Sapele), this timber resembles African Mahogany in colour, texture and character, and is a true Mahogany. Frequently quarter cut to assist stability. Density : 600 kg / m3 or 37.5 pounds / cubic foot.

Note: One significant member of the Mahogany family is Red Cedar ( also called Surian, Calantis or Wangi). Processing almost identical grain characteristics, the real distinction lies in the weight of the timber ( 448 kg/m3 or 28 pounds / cubic foot). The timber is dark red to light red