True mahogany comes from a tree species that is indigenous
to the Americas, particularly from Central and South America, as well as the West
Indies (native to southern Florida and the Caribbean). The straight-grained,
reddish-brown wood is valued for its durability, color, and beauty. It is so
prized, in fact, that it has been over-harvested and the three “true mahogany”
species have been placed on the Endangered Species lists. These conditions make
its availability for new furniture expensive, as supplies are limited and
monitored.
The wood itself has few pockets and voids in it, giving it
great durability. Because the trees achieve a great girth, it was possible to
get wide boards from the true mahogany species. That made the wood very
appealing to cabinet makers. The wood also resists rot, which makes it
appealing for use in boats and outdoor furniture.
Curved, Hand-Rubbed, Black Mahogany Desk |
Because of the rarity and expense of the true mahoganies,
woodworkers have turned to other woods that have some, though not all, of the
same qualities as mahogany. They are often qualified with descriptive terms,
which helps indicate their nature. There are two well known types that are called “African
mahogany”: Khaya and Sapele. Khaya is a
beautiful wood in its own right. It is usually sawn in such a way that it shows
a distinctive ribbony look, leading it to sometimes being called
“Ribbon-Striped African Mahogany.” The grain of Sapele also has a ribbony
appearance to it, and a finer texture than true mahogany, but it a good substitute.
It is however, more prone to tear-out than the true mahoganies.
Those in the market for Asian mahogany furniture look for pieces made of what is
called “Philippine mahogany.” This wood is actually called Lauan, and it is
inexpensive and plentiful. It comes in a variety of colors, and the redder ones
are heavier and more resistant to rot than the lighter colored ones. The thing to be wary about this type is that
it is a softer and lighter weight wood than the true mahoganies. It can be
easily dented with a fingernail, and it tends to splinter, thanks to its
coarser texture.
There can be great satisfaction in having a piece of
mahogany furniture, particularly if it is indeed a “true mahogany” wood.
Knowing where the piece came from can be a help in verifying the nature of the wood. The durability of the
true mahoganies certainly allows for such a piece to be passed down and enjoyed over many generations.
If you are in the market for a beautiful piece of vintage, contemporary, or custom mahogany furniture, visit Terra Nova Los Angeles Furniture at http://www.terranovadesigns.com.
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