For a timber to be truly classed a Mahogany it must be a member of the Meliaceae family. There
are however a number of other timbers which are either members of that species or have
sufficient resemblance to a Mahogany to be classified as a "Mahogany type" timber for use in
furniture.
We have endeavoured to set out hereunder a list of those timbers together with some details
about their respective advantages and the reasons why they might be used for similar purposes
to
a true Mahogany.
For
obvious reasons we have not here spent any time discussing timbers which
we do not stock.
The name "Mahogany" is believed to have originated from Nigerian slaves in the isle of Jamaica
around 1655. Recognizing a tree similar to their own M'Oganwo ( meaning 'king of trees') the
name
'Mahogany' gradually evolved into common usage around 1700.
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 .
Sizes available
Thickness: 25mm; 38mm; 50mm; 65mm; 75mm; 100 mm
Widths
: 150mm to 300mm + with premium for wides.
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.
Sizes available
Thickness: 25mm, 38mm, 50mm, 75mm, 100mm;
Widths
: 150mm to 300+ with premium for wides.
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.
Sizes available:
Thickness
: 25mm, 38mm & 50mm , squares of 75mm & 100mm
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
Sizes available:
Thickness: 25mm, 38mm, 50mm and squares are of 100mm; 125mm & 150mm
Widths
: 150mm to 300mm with premium for wide.
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.
Sizes available:
Thickness : 25mm, 38mm, 50mm & 75mm and 100mm sections,
Squares of : 50mm; 75mm; 100mm; 125mm& 150mm
Widths
: 150mm to 300mm & wides @ premium.
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. It is available
in limited sizes.
Sizes available:
Thickness : 25mm
Widths
: 125mm with wide board premium.
Density:
750kg / m3 or 47 pounds / cubic foot.
Mahogany Gum.
(Euclyptus Botryoides) this is a pink / red eucalyptus grown in South Eastern Victoria which
has excellent strength qualities and is now used in both furniture and in structural work. It is
not a true mahogany but at times its character and colour are very eye-catching and the fact
that it is a home-grown product is seen as an additional attraction. Also called ‘ Southern
Mahogany'. It is similar to Sydney Blue Gum.
Sizes available
Thickness : 25mm, 38mm, 50mm;
Widths
; 100mm to 200mm.
Density
: 820 kg / m3 or 51
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.
Size available:
Thickness : 25mm only
Widths
: 150mm good average width.
Density
: 600 kg / m3 or 37.5
pounds / cubic foot.
Note:
1- There are a number of other timbers which have many of the characteristics of a Mahogany
but lack its rich red tones. One such timber which can be stained to match Mahogany and has
many of the features of a true Mahogany ( stability, grain structure, durability and lustrous
finish) is Queensland Maple. Unfortunately this timber is becoming increasingly difficult to
source and is increasingly expensive.
2- 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
in colour, is easy to work, is remarkably durable, is available in a range of sizes ( 12mm -
150mm thicknesses) and is well priced.
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