The word “mahogany” brings to mind images of luxuriously furnished homes and this is not without reason. It is a popular flooring material mahogany’s deep color and smooth texture lend an air of class to any room. It’s as beautiful as it gets however, the color isn’t always the same and the various types of mahogany wood can makes shopping a bit difficult.
Pros include: Outstanding Color and durability
While it is most well-known for its stunning color mahogany is also a durable wood that can stand up to the rigors of foot traffic and isn’t so expensive as you think.
Warm Color
Mahogany flooring is new and starts as with a light tan color however, as it is exposed to ultraviolet sunlight (sunlight) as time passes, it turns deep reddish-brown, with shades of bronze, honey as well as dark brown. There’s no need to fret about the floor’s fade in sunlight. This grain has a distinct however, it is usually straight and close to give the floor a uniform appearance. A mahogany floor with a ribbon like interlocked pattern is quite popular. The grain is intricately moving color shifts across the flooring.
The wood can be polished quickly, which makes it at home in modern styles of decor. The less polish is required, but the dark mahogany color is at the right place in a rustic cabin style.
Durable and hard wearing
Real South American mahogany (Swietenia spp.) is similar to cherry in its hardness which makes it moderately tough. Different types of mahogany like African mahogany (Khaya spp.) are more durable than other species of walnut, oak, and even maple species. Therefore, even with its elegant appearance, it is able to withstand many years of wear with no dents or scratches. This makes it perfect for the living room and kitchen, or any other places that get a lot of traffic, and those who have active children or dogs that are large.
The two South American and African mahogany species are impervious to fungi, water damage and pests. Particularly, they’re referred to as woods that are resistant to termites, so they’re a good choice if you reside in an area in which termites pose a serious risk.
Mahogany flooring planks are usually quarter-sawn from logs giving them more durability and stability, with less danger of cupping or warping when compared to plain planks that are cut.
It is easy to work with
As a wood that is hard mahogany is fairly easy to work with. It can be machined easily, however, there’s a possibility of chipping in mahogany which is interlocked. It can be joined without issue and is simple to sand, and is able to take stain very well.
Easy to Maintain
Every week, or anytime the floor is smoky clean it up using a dry mop, or scrub it clean with the soft-bristled vacuum cleaner. Spot clean whenever needed using a microfiber or another soft, lint-free cloths that have been soaked in a solution consisting of 1 cup of warm water and 2 tablespoons. white vinegar. To treat stubborn spots, mix one or two Tbsp. liquid dish soap. Avoid cleaning products that are abrasive, as they could harm the surface.
Moderately priced
In comparison to other exotic hardwoods mahogany comes in a moderate price. Its price ranges from $14 to $30 for a board feet. In general, authentic mahogany will cost more than maple or oak but is cheaper than teak or walnut. It’s not all mahogany flooring that is “genuine,” though, and other woods similar to it are frequently offered as mahogany for lesser.
Cons Pros: Staining and Shopping Pros: Staining and Shopping
Mahogany’s color shifts can cause certain issues and it’s not the ideal choice for those in a pinch for money.
Color Problems
You’ll never know what the color of your mahogany floor will be until you’ve had it installed for a few years. The speed that mahogany gets darker and how dark it becomes is largely dependent on the amount of sunlight that hits it. If a room is sunny the wood will get darker more quickly. This could be a problem in areas where furniture or rug don’t get dark the same way as areas that are exposed. Arranging your furniture regularly can stop this.
The changes in color of wood makes it difficult to select a stain colors because a color that appears rich and deep initially may turn out to be too dark in one year or so.
Like any wood with a dark tone mahogany catches dust, crumbs and pet hair readily. Although maintaining your mahogany flooring isn’t too difficult, sweeping it could become a regular chore if you wish to keep your flooring neat and clean.
Not for those with low budgets
While mahogany in its pure form is more affordable than other exotic hardwoods it’s also not an affordable flooring wood. This is due in part to its status as a species that is threatened. If you are looking for a less expensive alternative that has similar characteristics look into sapele, khaya or toona woods all of which belong to the mahogany family or a more widely-available wood like cherry.
Confusing Terms
Flooring shops have used the term mahogany to describe various wood species however, not all woods are the same. Pick the wrong one and you could be disappointed in the look and the durability.
Mahogany trees are part of the family Meliaceae which is subdivided into over 50 genera. The wood that is referred to as genuine mahogany is derived in three different species belonging to the family Swietenia. The most sought-after kind was the Swietenia macrophylla sometimes referred to as Honduran mahogany, or Brazilian mahogany.
Due to the demand the species was threatened and is currently under international trade restrictions, with export strictly restricted. The majority of genuine mahogany is harvested from sustainable plantations that are spread across the globe.
Most often on the American market you’ll see Khaya wood, specifically Khaya invorensis. This type of tree is also known as African mahogany, falls within the same family as authentic mahogany, however it’s in an entirely different genus. The color and the endurance are similar to the characteristics of authentic mahogany, making it the ideal choice.
Mahogany’s rich, warm colors gives it a timeless look and its long-lasting properties make it the perfect choice for a family home. Although it’s not the best choice for those on a budget, it’s a moderately priced option for those looking for a luxurious flooring. However, the effects of age and color changes can mean that it’s possible that the final shade of your flooring will be darker than you had hoped for.
