7 Uses for Mahogany Wood

Mahogany is the most versatile and durable of all the hardwoods. It is a dark, red-brown colored tropical wood that is resistant to insects and rot, has an attractive grain, and polishes to a beautiful high sheen. It is not an unduly expensive wood and because of its versatility it can be used anywhere or for anything; mahogany wood that comes from South America does not have grain as tight as the wood that comes from Africa and is used mostly in interior design.

Yachts and Boats

African wood is used for the exterior of yachts and boats because it has an interlocking grain which makes it resistant to water damage and seepage. South American mahogany is used to beautify the interior and give it an elegant look.

Musical Instruments

Some musical instruments like drums, guitars, violins, and grand pianos make use of mahogany because the wood gives a warm sound. It is also used in stereo headphones and phonograph record cartridges.

Writing Instruments

South American mahogany is used to fashion writing pens that are of a highly polished, reddish-brown color. These pens can be a really exclusive gift you can give yourself or to someone of esteem.

4. Furniture

Mahogany furniture, both antiques and reproduction pieces, is much sought after as it is the epitome of elegance and grace. It does not come cheap, but furniture which has only an outer covering of mahogany (plywood) does not cost as much. Sometimes mahogany is used for outdoor furniture such as tables and chairs, but these have to be kept away from the sun and rain as heat and water can damage the wood and the finish. Teak is more suitable for outdoor use as it is more weather-resistant.

Flooring

Mahogany can be the ideal hardwood for floors as it is so durable and can take heavy traffic. However, it tends to darken with age, so if you don’t want such dark floors in your house, choose a light stain to begin with or go for another wood that is just as durable but lighter in color, like oak.

Billiard and Pool Cues

If you are thinking of getting a custom made cue, both African and South American mahogany is a good wood to use because the closely woven, tight interlocking grain makes a cue that is as straight as a die.

Doors

Mahogany interior and entry doors give any setting a glamorous look while being very functional. The wood easily holds and sustains glue, nails, and hardware, while being a perfect candidate for many stains. A mahogany door will never warp; it seasons well, holding its frame and durability, making it also ideal for an exterior door.

Mahogany items will last a lifetime; the wood ages gracefully, and its stability is almost always assured. To keep their pristine beauty, however, mahogany pieces must be maintained and looked after with care and consistency. Outdoor mahogany will need more looking after than indoor pieces, but all of it will require regular dusting, waxing, and polishing to stay looking as good as they did the day they came out of the manufacturer’s workshop.