When was mahogany furniture popular?

Roots That Run Deep. Once its superior qualities were discovered, mahogany became all the rage in the 18th century and entered the political venue as Europe and Colonial North America raced to harvest it in the West Indies. The wood became used for ships, exquisite cabinetry and fine furniture.

Also asked, is Mahogany a good wood for furniture?

The wood is very durable and has good workability. Because the trees are large, the boards used in woodworking can be very wide. All these properties make mahogany a favorite wood species for all manner of woodworking and furniture-making.

Additionally, is mahogany wood rare? This mahogany species is the wood that planked the ships of the Spanish Armada. Today there are still a few trees, but they are extremely rare and should not be used as such usage will encourage harvesting and the ultimate end of this species.

Also to know is, is mahogany furniture expensive?

Unfinished solid mahogany lumber ranges from $6 to $28 per board foot, depending on the species, availability and quality. Mahogany decking and flooring material is slightly more expensive than furniture-grade boards, averaging between $7 and $9 per square foot, depending on quality.

How do I find out what year my furniture was made?

Look carefully at the bottom, sides, and back of the drawer; if the wood shows nicks or cuts, it was probably cut with a plane, a spokeshave, or a drawknife. Straight saw marks also indicate an old piece. If the wood shows circular or arc-shaped marks, it was cut by a circular saw, not in use until about 1860.

39 Related Question Answers Found

Why is mahogany illegal?

"American furniture makers are buying their mahogany from illegal sources because Peru is simply unable to control the logging. Peruvian timber companies are mixing legally and illegally logged wood for export; Gun-toting loggers are killing indigenous people trying to defend their land with bows and arrows.

What are the disadvantages of mahogany wood?

Cons:

As it is very hard as compared to others, it is difficult to cut, give different shapes and also have tiring installation process.
As mahogany hardwood floors absorb sunlight, the color of the wood becomes more dark overtime.

Is Mahogany illegal?

Following the path of ivory, in 2003, mahogany was listed on the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) as a species in need of strict regulation to prevent its extinction. Because Peruvian mahogany is traded in violation of CITES, it is illegal to trade or possess it under the U.S. Endangered Species Act.

How can you tell if furniture is mahogany?

How to Identify Mahogany Wood

Press your fingernail into the wood to determine whether or not it's a soft or hardwood. If your fingernail leaves a mark, it is softwood.
Observe the corners of the wood in order to determine if the wood is solid or a veneer.
Observe the pattern and grain.
Observe the color.

How can I tell what wood my furniture is?

Steps

Determine if your wood is a solid piece of wood. Look at an end piece.
Decide if it has been weathered or stained.
Sand the sample down so that bare wood is exposed.
Determine if your wood sample is oak.
Decide if it's cherry.
Determine if it is walnut.
Decide if a light-colored wood is maple.

What is the most expensive wood for furniture?

So, here are some of the most expensive wood in the world used for furniture making.

Dalbergia Wood.
Bubinga Wood.
Bocote Wood.
Mahogany.
Snakewood.
Elm Wood.
Maple.
Rosewood.

Which is better acacia or mahogany?

Regardless, the tone is similar to our Acacia Koa. Acacia is slightly harder and more dense than mahogany, but still soft and light enough to be used as a tone wood.

Which is best wood for furniture?

Best wood for furniture are Oak, Teak, Cherry, Maple, Teak, and Mahogany. Oak is excellent as well as durable wood for furniture. It is beautiful but can yellow over time. By contrast, red oak is slightly darker and porous.

Is Mahogany good for cutting board?

Maple is indeed harder and is the traditional choice for cutting boards. Mahogany is also a good choice. The species I use is not quite as hard and a little more porous but still a good choice.

How do you restore mahogany furniture?

Seal the wood with wood sealer, oil finish or diluted lacquer, shellac or varnish; then scuff-sand with 220-grit sandpaper. Apply one or more finish coats, depending on the product you use. A single coat of penetrating oil followed by a coat of wax creates a luxurious finish for mahogany.

How much does African mahogany cost?

Honduran mahogany is selling for more than $10/bf with a premium for longer lengths and widths. African mahogany retails for $5 to $6/bf.

How many types of mahogany are there?

There are six main types of mahogany wood that you can choose from when you are thinking about getting new furniture.

African Mahogany. Get rid of nasty grime and smudges on your stainless steel.
Mountain Mahogany.
Santos Mahogany.
Cuban Mahogany.
Honduran Mahogany.
Swamp Mahogany.

What is the most expensive wood?

World's Most Expensive Wood In The World

African Blackwood – $ 10,000 Per Kilogram. Source: Link.
Agar Wood – $ 10,000 Per Kilogram. Source: Link.
Ebony – $ 10,000 Per Kilogram. Source: Link.
Sandalwood – $ 20,000 Per Kilogram.
Pink Ivory – $ 7-8 Per Board Feet.
Lignum Vitae – $ 5 Per Pound.
Purple Heart – $ 11.99 Per Board Feet.
Dalbergia – $ 14-16 Per Board Feet.

How long does mahogany take to grow?

25 years

How hard is Mahogany?

The Janka Hardness Test is used to measure the capacity of different species of wood to withstand pressure. For example, Mahogany has a Janka Hardness of 800 (lbf), and Brazilian Walnut has a Janka Hardness of 3,680 (lbf).

Can you still buy mahogany wood?

All species within the genus are listed on CITES appendix II, and nowadays a fair amount of this wood is grown on plantations. It's sold under a variety of common names, including American Mahogany, Genuine Mahogany, Big-Leaf Mahogany, and Brazilian Mahogany.

What makes mahogany special?

Mahogany has a straight, fine, and even grain, and is relatively free of voids and pockets. Its reddish-brown color darkens over time, and displays a reddish sheen when polished. It has excellent workability, and is very durable. Historically, the tree's girth allowed for wide boards from traditional mahogany species.