Sapele rough sawn lumber
Warm reddish-brown alternative with furniture and millwork appeal.
View optionSantos Mahogany Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
Santos Mahogany is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameMyroxylon balsamum
Janka hardness2,400 lbf
Average dried weight57 lb/ft³
Best fitHeavy construction
Overview
Why choose Santos Mahogany?
Santos Mahogany is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Southern Mexico, Central America and South America. Used for heavy construction, interior trim, furniture and flooring.
Scientific nameMyroxylon balsamum
DistributionSouthern Mexico, Central America and South America
ShrinkageRadial: 3.8%, Tangential: 6.2%, Volumetric: 10.0%, T/R Ratio: 1.6
DurabilityRated very durable against decay, though reports on insect resistance are mixed.
Santos Mahogany colour, grain, and figure
Colour varies quite a bit from board to board, between a paler golden brown and a deeper purplish red or burgundy. Over time it shifts toward red and purple.
Interlocked grain is usual, with texture from medium to fine and good natural luster.
Working notes
It noticeably dulls cutting edges. Its density and interlocked grain give it a fair to poor working rating.
Reports link Santos Mahogany to skin and respiratory irritation, though serious reactions are rare.
Santos Mahogany should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for Santos Mahogany
Best projects
Used for heavy construction, interior trim, furniture and flooring.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying Santos Mahogany from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Cherry lumber collection
Domestic warm-colour alternative when the customer wants easier sourcing and workability.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
Santos Mahogany FAQ
What is Santos Mahogany best used for?
Used for heavy construction, interior trim, furniture and flooring. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is Santos Mahogany beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell Santos Mahogany?
The buying section on this page links to any Santos Mahogany Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.