TARLAC STATE UNIVERSITY
COLLEGE OF ARCHITECTURE AND FINE ARTS
BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ARCHITECTURE
SAN ISIDRO TARLAC CITY
WOOD PRODUCT
RESEARCH
SUBMITTED BY:
AMJAY ALEJO
SECTION:
2-E
SUBMITTED TO
AR. NOREEN VIVIEN VENDER
MAHOGANY WOOD
Mahogany is any of several tropical
hardwood timber trees, particularly some
species of the Meliaceae family. One instance
is the tropical American species Swietenia
mahagoni. Tall and evergreen, it has firm
wood that matures to a reddish-brown color.
Each huge leaf has several leaflets arranged
in a feather-like pattern, but there is no
terminal leaflet. Small white flowers are
produced in bunches, and the fruit is a
woody capsule with five divided wings that
holds squarish seeds. Nowadays, other
genera in the family, like the African Khaya
and Entandophragma, provide most of the
commercial mahogany. Lauan, also known as
Philippine mahogany (Shorea species), is a
tree in the Dipterocarpaceae family that is used for paneling and furniture building.
The Philippine Mahogany is a loose term that applies to a number of wood species
coming from southeast Asia. Another common name for this wood is Meranti: while
yet another name that is commonly used when referring to plywood made of this
type of wood is Lauan. (And even though it’s called Philippine Mahogany, it bears no
relation to what is considered to be “true” mahogany in the Swietenia and Khaya
genera.
Scientifically, the name Philippine Mahogany has been used to encompass most
commercial lumber found in the Shorea genus, where it is very commonly used in it’s
native southeast Asia. There is an abundance of variety between the difference
species: each with different working properties, appearances, and mechanical
strength values.
The five main groupings for Philippine Mahogany (Meranti/Lauan) are:
Light Red Meranti
Dark Red Meranti,
White Meranti,
Yellow Meranti;
and Balau.
MAHOGANY WOOD IN CONSTRUCTION
Due to its appealing look and general robustness, mahogany wood is highly sought-
after for furniture production as well as other uses like the construction of boats and
musical instruments. Because mahogany wood cuts well, sands down to show an
appealing grain, can be joined quickly and solidly, and can be finished and polished
to a gloss, woodworkers enjoy working with it. Customers are frequently prepared to
pay a premium for mahogany wood due to its attractive appearance and tough
durability.
Being pricey and in high demand, mahogany wood can occasionally be challenging
to find. Builders prefer the wood because it seasons rapidly and is simple to work
with when building. Additionally, the wood is easily scrollable; scrolling calls for
extremely small cuts that are frequently utilized for ornamental purposes, and
mahogany wood is particularly workable in this regard. The wood can be polished to
a high luster after being sanded and stained, making it a popular option for veneers,
furniture, and other decorative uses.
Mahogany does not bend well, so if it must be bent into certain
curves or shapes, it must be done carefully and with the help of
steam. It is a very stiff wood, which makes it a very good choice
for certain applications that require vertical or horizontal stiffness.
This durable wood is resistant to common wood damage such as
splitting, splitting or gouges, especially if it is cut during the
construction process. It ages well and maintains its appearance
for years and is resistant to warping or other damage from
moisture and other weather conditions. Depending on the finish
of the wood, mahogany can be cleaned easily without damaging
the wood.
Mahogany wood furniture can be more expensive, but it ages well and is very
durable.
When used as a door, mahogany wood is a good choice because it is resistant to bug
infestations, and it will block a fair amount of sound, meaning any traffic noise from
outside will not come through as much as it would with a door that is not solid, or a
door made from other woods. Mahogany tables are popular as well because of the
durability and resistance to stains and water damage so common among other types
of dining tables.
MAHOGANY WOOD ADVANTAGES AND
DISADVANTAGES
Mahogany is a hardwood species found mostly in North and Central America.
Mahogany is very commonly used in America for many purposes and applications. It
is very famous for its durability, rot resistance and appearance. Resistant to polishes
and oils. Once completed, it gives excellent results. Mahogany wood is perfect for
furniture, flooring, veneers and musical instruments. In addition to the special
properties of mahogany, it also has some disadvantages that should be known
before use. The advantages and disadvantages of mahogany are as follows.
Advantages of Mahogany Wood
1. Durable and long lasting
Mahogany is a very strong and durable wood. A test conducted by Forest Research
in 1985 showed that mahogany performed well when in contact with the ground.
This means mahogany is perfect for patios. With less maintenance, it can last more
than 20 years. With regular maintenance, it can last more than 40-50 years.
Mahogany can last a long time, even in bad weather and soil; wood does not rot.
2. Attractive wood grain
The mahogany wood is a deep reddish brown that looks very beautiful. Although it
has many color options, all mahogany species have an attractive appearance. 3.
Waterproof
Mahogany wood is waterproof and can be used to build decks and boats. The
moisture-wicking properties are due to the presence of natural oils that keep
moisture away from the surface of the wood.
Mahogany can withstand harsh climates. Therefore, it is also used in outdoor
settings, such as wall coverings, outdoor dining sets, garden chairs and benches
without chemical treatment. 4. Resistance to shrinkage and deformation
Mahogany is not affected by changing weather. It does not shrink and forms in
winter and summer. Thanks to the dense grain, it does not absorb moisture.
5. Easy to work with
Despite being a hard wood, it can be easily worked by hand and with machine tools.
Mahogany is a popular woodworking choice due to its durability, ease of use and
attractive appearance. When it comes to smooth woodworking, it's important to use
the right and sharp tools.
6. Store paints and polishes well
It keeps the wood polished and stained well. Polishing and sanding will extend the
life of this wood. Polish stain is highlighted and gives a rich look. Once finished, it
gives a wonderful dark and shiny look.
7. Natural anti-rot
Mahogany belongs to hardwood species. Hardwood is generally very resistant to
decay. Its grains are dense and contain natural oil, so there is no rot. Mahogany is a
good choice for those who want to build projects with fundamental content.
8. Uniform color
The color of the wood obtained from the tree is uniform everywhere. So that the
mahogany applications look the same color and give a nice uniform look.
9. Availability and wide selection
Mahogany is a popular type of wood and is widely used. That is why it is available in
most small and large stores. There are also many other types of mahogany in
different colors and qualities. So, we have many options to choose mahogany.
10. Can be nailed or screwed
The grain of this tree is compact and dense. Therefore, it holds nails and screws
very well. It does not require pre-drilling like other woods.
DISADVANTAGES OF MAHOGANY WOOD
1. Limited production
We know that high quality is rare. The demand for mahogany wood is increasing
every year. Therefore, mahogany wood is sometimes lacking. Hence its price is also
increasing day by day. 2. Big color difference
There are many types of mahogany, and each has a different color, so sometimes it
can be difficult to find the same type for a project.
3. Heavy weight
Because it is dense, it is quite heavy. So, working with this tree at this height can be
difficult and may require a partner to work with a large tree. 4. Change color over
time
Like other woods, mahogany darkens with age. It occurs after prolonged exposure
to sunlight or UV radiation. You can clearly see the difference in color if you replace it
with a new piece of wood in the old project.
5. Difficult to recognize
Identifying true mahogany species can be a little difficult for owners. So always buy
from a trusted retailer and look for Rainforest Alliance or Forest Stewardship Council
certification.
CONCLUSION
Working with Mahony also has its challenges. It is a stiff wood and does not bend
very well. So, if it must be bent into certain shapes and curves, it has to be done
carefully using steam. The hardness of the wood makes it suitable for certain
applications that require horizontal or vertical rigidity. Mahogany is very durable. It
can withstand problems such as cracking and cracking. In addition, it ages very well
and maintains its visual appeal for years. Mahogany is resistant to warping. So even
if it is exposed to moisture or other weather conditions, it will not suffer much
damage. Cleaning mahogany is quite easy, and the cleaning does not damage the
wood.
Mahogany is a good choice for making doors. It can resist insect infestation. Plus, it's
good for sound blocking. Therefore, with a mahogany door, traffic noise from outside
disturbs your household less. Doors made of other wood are not very good at
blocking noise.
REFERENCE
THE EDITORS OF ENCYCLOPAEDIA BRITANNICA. (2023, AUGUST 5). MAHOGANY |
HARDWOOD, FURNITURE, BUILDING. ENCYCLOPEDIA BRITANNICA.
HTTPS://WWW.BRITANNICA.COM/TOPIC/MAHOGANY-WOOD
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF MAHOGANY WOOD? (2023). HOME QUESTIONS
ANSWERED. HTTPS://WWW.HOMEQUESTIONSANSWERED.COM/WHAT-ARE-THE-BENEFITS-OF-
MAHOGANY-WOOD.HTM
ERIC. (2017). PHILIPPINE MAHOGANY. THE WOOD DATABASE. HTTPS://WWW.WOOD-
DATABASE.COM/PHILIPPINE-MAHOGANY/
ADMIN. (2023, JUNE 8). WHY IS MAHOGANY SO POPULAR? - TRENDS WOOD FINISHING.
TRENDS WOOD FINISHING. HTTPS://WWW.TRENDSWOODFINISHING.COM/WHY-IS-
MAHOGANY-SO-POPULAR/#:~:TEXT=THE%20HARDNESS%20OF%20THE
%20WOOD,VISUAL%20APPEAL%20FOR%20SEVERAL%20YEARS.
