Oak vs Mahogany The wood grain of oak is open and coarse. It exhibits unique twists, swirls, and knots, giving the wood a striking appearance. Mahogany on the other hand has a close, small, and straight grain.
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.
Is mahogany better than oak?
Mahogany is a hardwood, it is harder and more durable than oak, but softer than maple. Mahogany is used in many decorative settings because of the popularity and elegance of the wood. Naturally, Mahogany is a darker wood, and it accepts stain very well. The grain is what makes mahogany truly unique.
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.
Does mahogany match 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.
How can you tell if its mahogany?
Check the corners of wood to spot a veneer. Genuine mahogany end grain will have marginal parenchyma, or rows of light brown cells at the border of every growth ring you can see in the end grain. The presence of these is a strong suggestion of Swietenia species, which is the species of tree mahogany comes from.
What do mahogany look like?
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.
What color is close to mahogany?
reddish-brown colorMahogany 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
How can you tell if wood is oak or mahogany?
Color and Grain Even though mahogany is red or orange and oak is amber-colored, oak can be stained the same color as mahogany. The aesthetic differences center mostly around grain patterns. Mahogany grain is closely spaced and straight. If you prize a uniform, consistent appearance, choose mahogany.
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.
Is oak or mahogany more durable?
Characterised by its brown-red colour, mahogany is a hardwood. Harder than other woods, such as pine and oak, mahogany is very durable. In fact, it is up to 70% more stable than any other forms of hardwood including as oak or balsa. It possesses no pockets or grooves, which makes it completely immune to water damage.
What does oak grain look like?
What Does the Grain Pattern of Oak Wood Look Like? Oak wood is generally straight-grained and has an uneven texture. However, there are other aspects of oak's grain that makes it quite unique. For example, white oak's water resistance lies in its pores.
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.
Why is mahogany so expensive?
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 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.
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 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.
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.
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 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 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 a 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 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 mahogany wood?
Mahogany Wood. Mahogany is an exotic wood prized for its durability, workability, and elegant look. It has a pink or reddish-brown hue that deepens over time. The grain is straight and uniform, typically with relatively few knots or blemishes. Although Mahogany looks great and is easy to work with, there are environmental concerns related to ...
Why is mahogany wood used in furniture?
America’s love of mahogany wood dates back to colonial times, particularly in furniture because it is durable and takes to ornate carving well. It’s also used in paneling, cabinetry, flooring, and doors. Its rot-resistance also made it somewhat popular for decking and boat making in the past.
Why are mahogany boards so big?
Boards can be exceptionally large because the trees may grow to epic proportions, sometimes reaching six feet in diameter. For this reason, it was once quite common to see mahogany paneling in high-end design, but the exotic wood was also incorporated into furniture and used for cabinetry quite a bit too.
What are some examples of hardwoods?
Common examples of hardwoods are oak, walnut, cherry, and maple, while softwoods include things like cedar, fir, and pine.
Is mahogany wood eco friendly?
Considering the level of exploitation, deforestation, and the amount of illegal harvest ing occuring, mahogany is not an eco-friendly choice at all. Adding to this, most mahogany wood that makes its way into the United States is shipped across oceans and continents, further increasing the carbon footprint.
Is mahogany endangered?
That said, all genuine mahogany is classified as either vulnerable to extinction or endangered. Illegal harvesting is a major problem, contributing to the destruction of rainforests, devastating the homes of indigenous people, threatening wildlife, and feeding international crime rings.
What is African mahogany?
African Mahogany>. One of the most recognizable species and is typically used for the finest furniture and cabinetry. Its color ranges from reddish brown to a deep, rich red and it stains well for a superior finish. The wood displays a prominent growth ring figure, with grain that is straight or interlocked.
What is oak wood?
This hardwood is one of the most popular species used today. Oak is renowned for its dramatically pronounced grain pattern. This pattern varies from tight, vertical grain to a beautifully arched pattern. This wood may also feature pin knots and mineral streaks. Very durable and strong, oak accepts stains evenly and is easy to work with.
What is hickory wood?
Hickory is synonymous with toughness. This wood is a relatively smooth hardwood with prominent grain. It has a dramatic color variation which can be minimized with darker stains and paint finishes. The heartwood is tan or reddish while the sapwood is white to cream with fine brown lines. This wood features a closed grain with moderate definition and is rough textured.
Why is the heartwood of a walnut tree darker than the sapwood?
Because of the way it grows, the heartwood of the walnut tree grows darker than the sapwood on the outer rings. Walnut features attractive blonde sapwood streaks within the darker tones and it generally has a straight grain with occasional waves or curls.
What is affordable cherry wood?
One of the less expensive hardwood species and often referred to as “affordable cherry.”. This wood species is a smooth, fine-grained wood with a relatively smooth texture. It is mostly light in color, but it also features dramatic color variation. Applying darker stained finishes or painted finishes to the wood will help minimize these color ...
What is honey toned ponderosa pine?
Honey-toned Ponderosa Pine is a natural choice for classic Americana. From log homes to Santa Fe adobes to contemporary interiors, it speaks to relaxation and homeliness. Ponderosa Pine takes a range of finishes well.
Is maple a hardwood?
Maple is a hard, strong wood with a smooth texture and uniform grain, a dense hardwood that has a prolonged life. The grain is fine and is similar to birch and cherry. It may exhibit random darker streaks and occasional birds-eye or worm track patterns. Over time, maple will mellow in color due to natural exposure to light and air. Traditionally used for interior applications.
What is the best substitute for African mahogany?
The most acceptable as a substitute is K. invorensis . This species makes up most of the African mahogany on the international market. While this is the most desirable species it maybe sold in a mixture with other Khaya species including K. anthotheca , K. grandifoliola , and K. senegalensis .
Why do mahogany trees have multiple stems?
The problem stems from an insect, the mahogany shoot tip borer, Hypsipyla grandella, Zeller. This insect damages the shoot tips, which cause them to sprout prolifically, which in turn makes for trees with multiple stems, almost from the ground up.
Which is better, Sapele or Khaya?
A much larger African tree and more widely distributed than Khaya. It is a good working timber with a finer grain texture than Khaya. Some wood experts believe Sapele will become the African mahogany of choice in the future. Sapele features a little more density than Khaya and therefore better working properties.
Why is mahogany declining?
There has been a decline in the amount of genuine mahogany in the world over the last century, due to over-harvesting. Many red-colored woods have taken the place of mahogany by default, and the reasons why mahogany became the wood that the world fell in love with, have been lost in the saw-dust.
What is the best wood for cabinetry?
Genuine Mahogany ranks among the finest cabinetry wood in the world. Its working characteristics are outstanding for all processes, including cutting, shaping, turning, and sanding. The grain is moderately open so filling is required to obtain a glass smooth finish.
What is the most widely used wood?
African Mahogany became the most available and affordable substitute. Today this is the most widely used wood called “mahogany”. It is not related to South American Mahogany but has a similar look and even though it is more brittle it has acceptable working properties. There are several species of Khaya.
Where does mahogany come from?
Most current stock comes from Peru or Central America.