Mahogany is widely known as one of the most beautiful species of wood. You don’t have to be a furniture-building expert to appreciate its beauty, as even the simplest boards look stunning with their deep coppery-red hue. Since the 1500s, people have discovered that mahogany wood has many qualities that are more than suitable for making fine furniture. If you’re going to be woodworking with mahogany, you should know a thing or two about this type of wood.
types of mahogany
When doing your mahogany project, know that there are four Latin American species that belong to the genus Swietenia. You have the broadleaf mahogany, the Caribbean mahogany, the Venezuelan mahogany and the Honduran mahogany. If you’re selecting the type to use, you’ll find that most experts will highly recommend broadleaf because they call it “real” mahogany. Mahogany can also be called mahogany or acajou and has a higher value as a prized type of wood.
Benefits of using mahogany
If you’re looking for a wood that’s not only beautiful, but also fairly easy to work with, you won’t regret using mahogany for your projects. Most woodworkers say that mahogany is easy to work with, either with hand or power tools. Unlike some types of hardwoods, mahogany easily accepts glue, screws, and nails. When it comes to staining, mahogany takes it excellently and will give you a beautiful high gloss finish. When working with mahogany heartwood you will be impressed with how strong and durable it will be and you can use it for veneers, boat decks and just about anything.
mahogany purchase
When purchasing your lumber, check the National Hardwood Association’s lumber grade and definitely ask for Selects, FAS, or FAS 1-Sided grades because these are top-tier quality indicators for hardwoods.
You should also inspect the price range and always ask hardwood dealers for their opinion. Go to different stores and dealers to compare price differences between grade classifications. It will help you decide if the higher grade of mahogany is really needed for the project you are working on, as it can also be more expensive.
Age does matter, so ask how it will affect your project. Compare the shades – you’ll find red to light pink or even yellow if freshly cut. If you want older varieties, look for ones that are deep red to brown in color.
Proper sanding and finishing of mahogany
Remember that when working with mahogany wood, gradual sanding is key. Start with a 120 grid and decide if you want to have a very smooth finish and close up the pores of the wood grain. If you are going to use a wood filler, always read the directions when mixing with a paint thinner. Fillers usually dry completely for at least 24 hours before you can start sanding again with 150-grit sandpaper.
Once you’ve finished sanding, use a stain brush or even a regular cotton cloth to apply the stain; be sure to wipe off the excess. Finally, apply a protective coating such as shaving oil, shellac, or polyurethane to complete your masterpiece.
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