Mahogany has a more darker brown color, while oak tends to have a more reddish hue. mahogany also fits better in traditional and rustic styles. Mahogany wood color The mahogany it is recognizable with its shade ranging from pink to dark red. It is used in cabinet making, but also in violin making, in particular to make guitars (necks and bodies).
Full Answer
Is mahogany stronger than oak?
Workability is similar in both species, but oak, rated at 1,220 on the universal hardness scale, is harder than mahogany, which ranks 900 on the same scale. The difference in hardness means oak is more likely to shatter or splinter than mahogany when milled. Carbide-tipped tools are recommended for both species.
Which is better oak or mahogany?
Mahogany is harder, more stable and more durable than its oak counterparts. Santos mahogany has a hardness rating of 2200, which is exceptionally hard. Even though white oak has a slightly higher hardness rating than red oak, it's 22 percent less stable than red oak, according to the National Wood Flooring Association.
What is the difference between mahogany and oak?
Mahogany
- Boats because of its grain, mahogany keeps the water where it should be – on the outside of the boat.
- Musical instruments such as violins, guitars, and pianos can be made of mahogany as this hardwood helps create a warmer tone than other hardwoods.
- Furniture is a popular choice for mahogany. ...
Is oak cheaper than mahogany?
Where do you live in the world. oak is locally sourced in the USA so is much cheaper than mahogany. But the exact opposite case might be made in the Philippines or South America.
Which is darker oak or mahogany?
Color is also another way to differentiate these woods. Mahogany has a more darker brown color, while oak tends to have a more reddish hue. mahogany also fits better in traditional and rustic styles. The mahogany it is recognizable with its shade ranging from pink to dark red.
Which is better mahogany or oak?
Hard Equals Durable Santos mahogany has a hardness rating of 2200, which is exceptionally hard. It's the second most popular choice for exotic hardwood flooring, next to Brazilian cherry. Red oak has a hardness rating of 1290, and white oak has a hardness rating of 1360.
Is mahogany wood more expensive than oak?
Oak is less expensive than mahogany.
Does mahogany go with oak?
Mahogany furniture looks great on oak floors. Matching furniture and floor color is not so picky and may be changed out much easier. You may mix or match them according to your floor. Oak floors are a bit more traditional than mahogany because of durability, so choose mahogany furniture to decorate.
Is mahogany expensive or cheap?
Mahogany is sometimes sold by the board foot, and prices can average $6 to $28 or more per piece. This is about 10 times more than comparable furniture-grade woods.
Is mahogany the most expensive wood?
African Blackwood It is considered as the most expensive wood in the world because not only it is challenging to work with hand or machine tools, its trees are already near-threatened. But as expensive as it may seem, African Blackwood is worth the price.
Why 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.
Does mahogany wood scratch easily?
are harder than some oak, walnut, and even maple species, so despite its refined appearance, it can stand up to a lot of wear with minimal scratches and dings. That makes it ideal for the living room, kitchen or other high-traffic area as well as for homes with active kids or large dogs.
Why is mahogany so valuable?
Mahogany is so expensive because it has a high demand and is becoming increasingly hard to acquire. The high demand of Mahogany is due to its pleasing appearance, dark fine grain, and long lasting durability. Mahogany has also become more scarce leading to a lack of supply and higher prices.
What does mahogany stain look like on oak?
A red dye followed by a red wiping stain will give you a consistent reddish look, or yellow dye followed by red or brown with feathered in crotch grain, or heart.
What color is close to mahogany?
yellowish brownMahogany is a reddish-brown color. It is approximately the color of the wood mahogany. However, the wood itself, like most woods, is not uniformly the same color and is not recognized as a color by most....Mahogany (color)MahoganySourceMaerz and PaulISCC–NBS descriptorStrong yellowish brownB: Normalized to [0–255] (byte)6 more rows
What wood contrasts with mahogany?
Caroline Atkins in "Country Living Shortcuts to Decorating Country Style" suggests combining dark wood furniture, such as mahogany, with lighter, golden woods such as pine or oak. The contrasting wood colors balance each other out. Use pale ash or beech with mahogany to accent the mahogany furniture.
What are the different types of mahogany?
All of them are typically marketed together and sold as "genuine mahogany." Two other varieties differ slightly: African mahogany, because of its luster and hardness, is considered superior to genuine mahogany and is usually marketed separately from genuine. Because Philippine, or Lauan, mahogany tends to be bland and softer, it is considered inferior to genuine mahogany and is also marketed separately. If you order mahogany generically, you'll likely receive genuine mahogany.
What is the difference between white oak and red oak?
Two varieties of oak are readily available: red and white. Red oak is used the majority of the time. White oak is harder , more exclusive and has straighter grain patterns than red oak. Varieties of mahogany are imported from plantations in Latin America, Africa and a variety of tropical locations worldwide.
How wide is a mahogany board?
Mahogany boards often exceed 12 inches in width. Oak boards rarely exceed 12 inches. Smaller oak boards can be assembled into panels, but color matching is required. Mahogany boards are more consistent in color and are easier to match.
What is the best wood for a fireplace?
If you prize a uniform, consistent appearance, choose mahogany. Oak displays bold, flame patterns that are complex and varied. Choose oak for a busy appearance. Oak grain lines are typically black. Mahogany grain lines are brownish and less prominent, so you may have to look closely to see them. Advertisement.
Is mahogany wood good for carving?
The harder, more complex grain patterns in oak make it less desirable for turnings, carvings and hand machining. The consistent, straight grain pattern of mahogany is preferable for hand working and carving. Advertisement. references.
Is mahogany endangered?
Mahogany is listed as an endangered species on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List, but it remains readily available from certified dealers. Oak is grow n and harvested domestically, readily available and not endangered. Advertisement.
Is mahogany hardwood perishable?
Red oak is rated as perishable, with poor resistance to bugs. Mahogany is moderately durable, is not considered as perishable as oak and doesn't resist bugs.
Which is harder, mahogany or oak?
Mahogany is harder, more stable and more durable than its oak counterparts. Santos mahogany has a hardness rating of 2200, which is exceptionally hard. It's the second most popular choice for exotic hardwood flooring, next to Brazilian cherry. Red oak has a hardness rating of 1290, and white oak has a hardness rating of 1360. Even though white oak has a slightly higher hardness rating than red oak, it's 22 percent less stable than red oak, according to the National Wood Flooring Association. Mahogany is 71 percent harder than Northern red oak and is 28 percent more stable than most red oak varieties.
What is the difference between mahogany and oak flooring?
Mahogany and oak flooring have attractive grains that add texture and organic movement to a room design. Mahogany floor planks have wavy striped grains and are usually sawed from quartered logs, ensuring more durability and reducing the likelihood of warping. Mahogany has a uniform texture with very fine grains. Oak flooring comes in two primary varieties -- red oak and white oak. Red oak is more porous than white oak, but white oak has longer internal streaks, or rays, than red oak. There are more than 200 subspecies of red oak in North America. Plain-sawn oak boards, cut from log halves, have wide, flared grains, rift-sawn pieces have close-knit grain patterns and quarter-sawn boards have a flake pattern, sometimes called tiger rays or butterflies, according to the National Wood Flooring Association.
How many species of red oak are there in the US?
There are more than 200 subspecies of red oak in North America. Plain-sawn oak boards, cut from log halves, have wide, flared grains, rift-sawn pieces have close-knit grain patterns and quarter-sawn boards have a flake pattern, sometimes called tiger rays or butterflies, according to the National Wood Flooring Association.
What is the color of oak?
Color Variations. White oak contains an assortment of earth-tone colors in the brown/gold spectrum, ranging from pale golden butterscotch to dark chocolate brown. It has faded, light gray undertones. Red oak has a variety of colors that fall in the red/brown spectrum, ranging from light red to deep mocha brown.
Is mahogany hardwood or oak?
By Kristine Tucker. Mahogany and oak flooring are strong, solid hardwood options that offer beauty, luxury and durability in a flooring design. Oak flooring is primarily a domestic variety and is harvested in the United States, but mahogany is an exotic wood species that must be imported. Each has its own characteristics ...
Is mahogany flooring porous?
Mahogany has a uniform texture with very fine grains. Oak flooring comes in two primary varieties -- red oak and white oak. Red oak is more porous than white oak, but white oak has longer internal streaks, or rays, than red oak. There are more than 200 subspecies of red oak in North America.
Can you sand and stain white oak?
Oak Installation Tips. White oak and red oak are easy to cut, sand and stain but often require predrilling before hand-nailing. The wood is too soft for high-powered nail guns, which might splinter the wood. Some water-based finishes can cause white oak to turn slightly green or brown.
What is the color of oak wood?
Oak wood color. Credit: John Lawton. Oak is a hardwood that tends to be very grainy. There are two varieties: red oak, which ranges from light brown to pinkish red with a swirling, waterlike pattern, and white oak, which has a tiger-stripe grain with yellow rays and flecks.
What is the grain of oak?
Oak is a hardwood that tends to be very grainy. There are two varieties: red oak, which ranges from light brown to pinkish red with a swirling, waterlike pattern, and white oak, which has a tiger-stripe grain with yellow rays and flecks. Oak is often used in pieces made in the Arts and Crafts or Mission style.
What is cherry wood?
Cherry is a hardwood with a fine, straight grain that ranges from reddish brown to blond. It is often used for carved chairs but also shows up in clean-lined Shaker-style tables and cabinets. Pros: It's easily shaped, and it polishes well. Unstained, it has a rich, beautiful color. Cons: Cherry wood is expensive.
What is the hardest wood to build?
Maple. Maple is a creamy white hardwood that sometimes has a reddish tinge. One of the hardest wood species, maple is often chosen for heavy-use items, like dressers and kitchen cabinets. Pros: Maple is affordable and ultra-durable. It can take a beating and look great for years.
Why is maple stained?
It can take a beating and look great for years. Because it takes dark stains well, maple is often stained to mimic a pricier wood, like cherry or mahogany (which is a controversial pick itself because of deforestation in the regions where it's harvested).
What is the color of walnut?
Walnut. Walnut is a straight-grained hardwood that ranges from chocolate brown (when it's from the center of the tree) to yellow (from the outer portion of the tree). A top pick for head-boards, ornate antique-style dining tables, and mantels, walnut is typically clear-coated or oiled to bring out its color.
What is the best wood for kids furniture?
Pine. Pine is an inexpensive, lightweight wood that can be yellowish or whitish with brown knots. It's often used for rustic pieces, like farmhouse-style tables. Pros: Pine wood is low-cost, and it takes paint well, so it's great for kids' furniture. (The same holds true for birch and poplar.)
Colour and Texture
- Primarily available in deep red and reddish-brown hues, mahogany offers a formal and traditional appeal. Its graining is straight and closely spaced, providing a consistent appearance throughout the space. And with exposure to natural sunlight, the colours get richer as they darken. Oakcomes in an assortment of earthy tones such as brown and tan with faded undertones of light grey. It c…
Hardness
- Mahogany offers superior durability, depending on the species. One of the widely preferred options is Santos mahogany which has a rating of 2,200 on the Janka hardness scale, making it one of the hardest mahoganies. However, being high on the Janka scale they are usually difficult to work with. Oak is available in two varieties – red and white– that offer varying levels of hardn…
Durability
- Mahogany’s hardness means it’s more durable than oak, ensuring that this type of flooring can last more than a century when looked after well. It also resists scratches and dents. Oak is also durable, and with proper maintenance can last up to 90 years. However, it isn’t resistant to bugs and its relative softness compared to mahogany makes it more...
Stripes and Pores
- Mahogany planks typically have wavy striped grains that run their length and look distinct and uniform. This helps installers match planks to create a cohesive layout. Both varieties of oak have open pores that add texture to flooring. The staining that deposits in these spaces appears more pronounced.
Cost
- Mahogany cannot be found in a typical home improvement store. As an endangered species and exotic wood variety, it needs to be specially exported from lumberyards. This means you can only purchase mahogany from certified buyers, making it one of the most expensive types of hardwood flooring. Oak isn’t endangered so is relatively cheaper. Almost 90% of the world’s oak i…