Mahogany, Asian

Botanical Name: Dipterocarpus spp

Fast Facts

Color: is generally a reddish brown, although some variations are expected. These variations can range from a deep pink to a purplish red. Remember that the sapwood of the Asian mahogany is lighter and may have grey or yellow tint.

Grain: is usually straight but may have a slight wave.

Variations within Species and Grades: The variations that are not overly noticeable after processing.

Sawing/Machining: With more than seventy varieties of Asian mahogany, there are some variations but not that are overly noticeable after processing.

Sanding: Pieces with a high density of resin can be more difficult to sand.

Nailing: No.

Finishing: Asian mahogany that has a lot of resin is very difficult to finish, timber with less resin is much easier to finish.

Availability: Somewhat limited availability.

Credit: University of Tasmania

Asian Mahogany is made up of about 70 species of the Dipterocarpus genus. These large hardwoods can grow to heights of 230 feet and can be found throughout the eastern hemisphere in areas such as the Philippines, Pakistan, India, Thailand, and Sri Lanka.

History

Asian mahogany is common throughout Malaysia which is why the common name of the wood, Keruing, is of Malaysian origin.

Durability

Asian mahogany is relatively durable but should only be used in flooring that will be inside and away from the elements.

Workability

Because of the high resin content of some pieces of lumber, it can be difficult to machine Asian mahogany. We recommend you keeping all cutting edges sharpened.

Where to use

The moderate durability makes Asian mahogany a good choice for flooring. Keep in mind not to placed it in an area that will be exposed to excessive moisture.

Care and Maintenance

A long life can be ensured by maintaining a proper care and maintenance.

For example, we recommend placing runners or rugs should in areas with high foot traffic (for example entryways and hallways).

Pads also need to be placed beneath the legs of furniture to prevent gouges. Dirt and sand could also be removed by regularly sweeping or vacuuming.

Environmental Issues

Asian mahogany is widely available throughout the areas in which it naturally occurs. However, nations in which this tree grows have been urged to encourage conservation as the timber becomes more popular.