| How does South American mahogany compare to | | | | more pronounced grain structure. It's an oily heavy |
| teak? There are quite a few similarities between both | | | | wood. Mahogany on the other hand doesn't have as |
| woods. Both of them make great furniture choices and | | | | well defined a grain. This means that there are fewer |
| can make a signature piece in any home. So whether | | | | areas for the wood to show differences. The wood is |
| you decide to choose mahogany or teak is purely a | | | | better suited for signature furniture. |
| personal choice. Here are a few of the differences | | | | Usage: As mentioned before teak and mahogany |
| between the two. | | | | have different characteristics. Teak, being much oilier is |
| Location: Teak is indigenous to Indonesia, India, and | | | | better suited for high quality outdoor furniture. Teak is |
| Asia. South American Mahogany is found (funny | | | | even used for building ships and decorative yacht |
| enough) in South America, it is also found in Central | | | | work. Mahogany with its smooth grain structure is |
| America and parts of Africa. | | | | much better suited for indoor furniture. |
| One problem with both of these woods is that they | | | | The care of teak and mahogany is a bit different as |
| are being illegally logged. This has a huge adverse | | | | well. With mahogany you'll use your typical furniture |
| impact on the environment. If shopping for mahogany | | | | polishes and dusters to keep it clean. Take care of it |
| or teak be sure to look for a certificate stating that the | | | | just like you would any other piece of indoor furniture. |
| wood is harvested using sustainable means. | | | | Just give it a light dusting and polish every few days |
| Color: This is the biggest difference between the two | | | | and it will maintain it's look for year. |
| woods. Teak is typically a honeyed brown color. | | | | Teak is a bit more durable a wood. The stuff sits |
| Mahogany on the other hand has a much richer | | | | outside. It can just be rinsed off with water. If you don't |
| deeper brown color. | | | | want the teak to weather to a silver color though you |
| Hardness: Teak and mahogany both make great | | | | can apply teak oil 3 or 4 times a year and it will keep |
| choices for furniture. They are resistant to insect | | | | the same rich golden honey color for years to come. |
| attacks. This means that the expense of the wood is | | | | So how does South American mahogany compare to |
| offset by the fact that a custom cabinet can be an | | | | teak? Only in the general fact that both are wood. |
| heirloom piece that will last for generations. Teak is a | | | | Teak is a lighter color, oilier, and better suited for the |
| great choice for outdoor furniture. It too will last for | | | | outdoors. Mahogany has a deeper brown color. The |
| decades. It might be the last piece of outdoor furniture | | | | grain is much finer and smoother. Mahogany works |
| you'll have to buy. | | | | better for your indoor furniture. So hopefully these few |
| Grain: While both teak and mahogany are great wood | | | | tidbits have helped narrow down what type of wood |
| choices their uses are a bit different. Teak has a much | | | | you're looking for. |