Straight and fine grained

Reddish-brown timber

Darkens over time

Meliaceae family

Strong hardwood

Slow growing

Decent rot and water resistance

Minimal shrinkage and swelling

Moderate weight

Indigenous to North America, South America, and Mexico

50 genera and 700 species (not all are true mahogany)

Three main species: Sweitenia macrophylla, Sweitenia mahagoni, and Sweitenia humuilis

US and Britain are leading importers

Largest exporter is Peru

Becoming harder to obtain, thus it is more expensive

Cover another timber with a thin layer of mahogany to achieve aesthetic (veneer sheets to make plywood)

Process of cutting the wood, turning it to sawmill, drying it, and ultimately producing object

Refinish periodically (water-based sealant)

Keep away from heat (sunlight or radiators) as it causes fading and cracking

Clean with dry, clean cloth to keep dust off

Broad-leafed mahogany has been illegally logged leading to it being an endangered species (illegal to be traded, imported, and processed)

African mahogany has to be shipped across the Atlantic Ocean to US consumers which increases the carbon footprint

Illegal harvesting has lead to destruction of rainforests

Not the most sustainable when used illegible, but sustainable when obtained properly

Can be recycled or burned for energy, long life span (good life-cycle cost)

No negative effect on indoor air quality