Cuban Mahogany

Specs

Common Names

Cuban Mahogany, West Indies Mahogany

Scientific Name

Swietenia mahogani

Origin

Southern Florida and the Caribbean

Appearance

Heartwood color can vary a fair amount with Cuban Mahogany, from a pale pinkish brown, to a darker reddish brown. Typically, the denser the wood, the darker the color. Color tends to darken with age. Mahogany also exhibits an optical phenomenon known as chatoyancy. (See video below.) Grain can be straight, interlocked, irregular or wavy. Texture is medium and uniform, with moderate natural luster.

Avg. Dried Weight

37 lbs/ft3 (600 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

930 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

10,790 lbf/in2 (74.4 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

1,351,000 lbf/in2 (9.31 GPa)

Crushing Strength

6,280 lbf/in2 (43.3 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 3.0%, Tangential: 4.6%, Volumetric: 8.0%, T/R Ratio: 1.5

Durability

Varies from moderately durable to very durable depending on density and growing conditions of the tree. (Older growth trees tend to produce darker, heavier, and more durable lumber than plantation-grown stock.) Resistant to termites, but vulnerable to other insects.

Workability

Typically very easy to work with tools: machines well. (With exception to sections with figured grain, which can tearout or chip during machining.) Slight dulling of cutters can occur. Sands very easily. Turns, glues, stains, and finishes well.