Walnut vs. mahogany: Exotic African mahogany wood pieces cost $6/foot for prepped 4x4s. However, genuine mahogany costs as much as $10.90/foot. Walnut vs. cherry wood: Cherry generally costs $4.05/foot, though curly cherry prices can reach $8.70/foot.
Full Answer
What is the difference between Walnut and mahogany?
What’s the difference between mahogany and walnut? Mahogany has a reddish brown color and is slightly lighter, less dense, and less expensive than walnut, which has a brown color with light and dark shading.
How hard is mahogany wood?
Mahogany wood is both strong and hard, which means that it’s going to take more time and effort to work with than other types of wood such as oak. This makes mahogany unsuitable for projects requiring strength and durability. This can be a disadvantage when you’re trying to build something that needs great strength. Mahogany Wood FAQs 1.
Is mahogany a hardwood?
Mahogany is a straight- grained, reddish-brown timber of three tropical hardwood species of the genus Swietenia, indigenous to the Americas and part of the pantropical chinaberry family, Meliaceae. Mahogany is used commercially for a wide variety of goods, due to its coloring and durable nature.
How to identify mahogany wood?
Tips & Tricks: How to tell if Mahogany is genuine
- Find a place of the board, or create one, where the wood is perfectly flat sawn, this is the only way this will work. ...
- Take out your finest honed plane and get a very clean polished surface without damaging the grain. ...
- Get good light and look really closely at the pattern made by the medullary rays. They should appear as little ovals or ellipses. ...
Is mahogany more expensive than walnut?
There are some external factors, such as budget, which may affect your decision, but even this is negligible in this case; walnut may be slightly cheaper than mahogany, but it is still fairly pricey – in the case of both kinds of wood, you are paying for the quality.
Is mahogany more expensive?
Mahogany is considered one of the most luxurious and beautiful woods in the world, and because of that, it tends to cost more money than other woods like oak or pine.
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.
Is walnut wood more expensive?
Walnut is more expensive as it is a bit rarer due to natural limitations such as size. Ash, Maple, and Cherry are more abundant as they grow larger but have highly sought after aesthetics in the grain which make them less expensive than Walnut but more expensive than some hardwoods.
What is the price of walnut wood?
Shipping AdditionalBoard-Feet< 1010 - 99Walnut4/4 Walnut (Sel & Btr, 90/50+ Brown, Steamed, 15/16)$12.70$11.454/4 Walnut (Live Edge, 8" to 20" Widths, S2S to 15/16)$12.70$11.45156 more rows
Which is darker wood mahogany or walnut?
Mahogany has a reddish brown color and is slightly lighter, less dense, and less expensive than walnut, which has a brown color with light and dark shading. As far as durability and workability are concerned, the difference between the two is minimal, so the choice comes down to personal preference.
Which is the costliest wood?
Topping the list of most expensive woods in the world is Bocote, a flowering plant from the borage family that is mostly found in Mexico, Central and South America. Initially a yellow/brown shade, this wood darkens over time.
What is the cheapest wood?
Pound for pound, the cheapest wood to buy is maple. Poplar, Alder, white oak and beech are also quite inexpensive. Maple, specifically, is one of the most common woods among entry-level woodworkers and general-purpose woodworks because of its affordability and availability.
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.
Is oak or walnut more expensive?
Oak is one of the most affordable hardwoods and is readily available, making it generally less expensive than Walnut. Because Walnut is rare and more difficult to source, the cost of a Walnut floor will tend to be higher.
Why is Turkish walnut so expensive?
“Because we're only interested in trees more than 150 years old that have their rootstock intact, quantity is very limited. Production costs are high and the supply chain can only get more restricted.”
Is walnut A strong wood?
Pros: Walnut is a very strong and stable wood that can take intricate carving. The color can be beautiful.
Mahogany vs. Walnut
We’re going to discuss the main differences between mahogany and walnuts woods in detail. Let’s begin with the most obvious thing, the appearance.
Best Uses for Mahogany
Mahogany’s good hardness, smooth texture, grained structure, and high polishability make it very versatile. Here’s what you can make out of mahogany wood:
Best Uses for Walnut
Since walnut is often compared to mahogany, it’s no surprise that most of the uses are similar.
Related Questions
It depends. If you’re not worried about the overall appearance, such as with a covered table or a cutting board, then it’s okay to use mahogany and walnut together.
Final Thoughts
Mahogany has its uses and so does walnut. Is walnut sturdier? Yes. Does it feel more premium? Yes. Does that mean mahogany is inferior? No, it doesn’t.
How much does mahogany wood cost?
Unfinished mahogany wood will usually range between $6 to $30 per board foot , but some species may be more expensive than others based on specific qualities or finishes. The price for flooring or decking pieces typically ranges around $6-$10 a square foot in most cases.
Where does mahogany come from?
Mahogany comes from Central America, Asia, and South America and there are many different uses for it across the world.
How much does a 4x4 board cost?
One of the most common boards you can find is a 4×4. A board that size could cost anywhere from $4 to upwards of $8, depending on where it’s bought and what type it is. A decent option can be found at AdvantageLumber, which offers its customers a quality product at $6 per piece.
How much does mahogany wood cost?
The cost of mahogany wood will depend on the quality, the finish, how it’s going to be used and where it’s purchased from. Unfinished mahogany wood will cost about $6 to $30 per board foot, depending on the species, while flooring and/or decking pieces can cost about $6 to $10 per square foot.
How to tell if mahogany wood is mahogany?
To ensure that the wood is Mahogany, you’ll want to look closely at the pattern. The thing about Mahogany wood is it’s going to have smaller ovals, which are known as ellipses. Be sure to pay close attention to see if the ovals line up in neat rows rather than all over the place. It’s fairly common to find wood described as Mahogany, but in turn, it’s another type of wood. If you’re unsure the wood is truly mahogany, most experts at the lumber yard will be able to confirm. The last thing that they want to do is lie and ruin their company reputation.
What is mahogany wood used for?
Mahogany wood can often be used for kitchen cabinets, hardwood floors and even as decking material. Mahogany is a hardwood from Central America, Asia and South America. Aside from its construction uses, it can also be used to craft furniture.
How much does a mahogany conference table cost?
Furniture, such as a mahogany conference table, can cost $250 to $1,200. This Old House says mahogany can be the most expensive wood on the market, and some people will pay up to $28 per board foor for a Cuban or West Indian mahogany board.
How much does a 4x4 wood piece cost?
According to SegmentedTurning.com, one piece of 4×4 wood can range anywhere from $4.30 to as much as $8+.
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 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.
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 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.
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 happens if maple is not sealed?
Cons: If maple is not properly sealed first, the staining can look blotchy.
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.)
Mahogany vs. Walnut
Best Uses For Mahogany
- Mahogany’s good hardness, smooth texture, grained structure, and high polishability make it very versatile. Here’s what you can make out of mahogany wood:
Related Questions
- Do Mahogany and Walnut Go Together?
It depends. If you’re not worried about the overall appearance, such as with a covered table or a cutting board, then it’s okay to use mahogany and walnut together. However, keep in mind that mahogany has a reddish sheen that doesn’t go very well with the purple undertone of walnut wo… - Why Is Walnut Wood So Expensive?
Walnut is so rare that it’s considered a luxurious wood. A walnut tree takes up to seven years to become mature and a couple more years for it to produce enough wood material to harvest. The demand for walnut wood consumption is currently much faster than its production. This is why i…
Final Thoughts
- Mahogany has its uses and so does walnut. Is walnut sturdier? Yes. Does it feel more premium? Yes. Does that mean mahogany is inferior? No, it doesn’t. It all comes down to what you want, how you want it, and how much you are willing to pay. The difference in the final result isn’t that big quality-wise. If you prefer a more classic appearance of your furniture and carved wood isn’t …
How Much Does Mahogany Wood Cost?
- The cost of mahogany wood can vary depending on the type and quality, as well as where it is purchased from. Unfinished mahogany wood will usually range between $6 to $30 per board foot, but some species may be more expensive than others based on specific qualities or finishes. The price for flooring or decking pieces typically ranges around $6-$10...
Any Additional Expenses to Consider?
- When installing a deck or hardwood flooring, it can be easy to wrack up the costs of hiring an installer. You should also consider labor charges and not just materials when determining your budget for installation. The average cost is $20+ per hourwith many contractors beginning at this rate and going from there depending on their experience. You might also like our articles about t…
Important Things to Consider
- The thing about Mahogany wood is that it will have smaller ovals, which are called ellipses. The pattern should be neat with rows of oval-shaped holes lining up neatly and not all over the place. It’s fairly common for other types of woods to also be described as mahogany but you can find out by asking a lumber yard expert if youțre unsure what type of wood it really is. It would be a s…
Is There Any Way to Spend Less?
- You can try to look for wood that is on clearance, especially for smaller jobs. You might even find pieces of wood that just need a little polish to look like brand new.