Santos Mahogany

Description

Santos Mahogany is a durable, water-resistant hardwood that is golden brown to dark red in color. It has a medium fine texture and possesses a natural luster. It is often used for interior flooring, furniture, interior trim, but given its properties it can be used for outdoor structures.

Species: Myroxylon balsamum

Other Name(s): Santos Mahogany, Cabreuva, Balsamo, Balsamo of Peru, Vermelha, Cedro Chino, Chirraca, Estoraque, Incienso, Nabal, Navo, Palo de Balsamo, Quina, Sandalo, Tache, Tolu,

Santos Mahogany Origin: Southern Mexico and Central and South America

Appearance: Santos Mahogany is characterized for being a red colored wood, however, the color ranges from light orange brown to dark reddish brown. It has a tight, interlocked grain. It has a medium to high luster.

Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 2-3 ft (.6-1.0 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 57 lbs/ft3 (915 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .74, .91

Janka Hardness: 2,400 lbf (10,680 N)

Modulus of Rupture: 21,570 lbf/in2 (148.7 MPa)

Elastic Modulus: 2,380,000 lbf/in2 (16.41 GPa)

Crushing Strength: 11,680 lbf/in2 (80.6 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 3.8%, Tangential: 6.2%, Volumetric: 10.0%, T/R Ratio: 1.6

Workability: Sawing and machining and hand tools are a challenge, so pre-drilling is recommended when working with Santos Mahogany.  As with other hardwoods, its density has a blunting effect on tools. Santos mahogany cannot be glued.  It also does not stain as easily as other hardwoods.  It sands to a high polish.

Preservation: Santos Mahogany hardwood naturally weathers to a beautiful, silver-gray patina. To maintain this rich tone, a deck oil with UV inhibitor or sealers are good options.

Sustainable: The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) does not list Santos Mahogany in its appendices. The Forest Legality Initiative also states that Santos Mahogany can be exported and traded internationally. International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species (IUCN) does not list Santos Mahogany as an endangered species.  Brazilian Lumber, LLC meets high standards for social, economic and environmental responsibility.  We monitor and document chain of custody of all our hardwood, we are Lacey Act compliant, IBAMA compliant and provide FSC certified options.  This means that purchasing from us, fuels the hardwood lumber economy in South American forests, and by providing well paying jobs for many people in turn means the industry values its conservation and preservation.

Advantages of using Santos Mahogany for your outdoor projects?

• Strong and Durable
• Low Maintenance
• Natural Look
• Long Life Span
• Sustainably Sourced
• Boosts your Property Value
• Lower price-point than ipe

Would you like to talk to a hardwood decking specialist?  We would love to help you 1-877-203-2004