Mahogany is one of the most popular premium hardwoods, known for its rich reddish-brown color, attractive grain, durability, stability, and excellent workability. It is commonly used for furniture, cabinets, doors, musical instruments, boats, trim, and other high-quality woodworking projects.
But how much is mahogany wood?
Mahogany lumber typically costs around $8 to $17 per board foot, depending on the species, grade, thickness, quality, quantity, and supplier. Genuine mahogany is generally more expensive, with current U.S. retail examples around $13 to $17 per board foot for 4/4 lumber. African mahogany is often less expensive, with current examples around $8 to $10 per board foot.
Premium, clear, figured, quarter-sawn, or unusually large mahogany boards can cost considerably more.
Mahogany Wood Cost
| Type of Mahogany | Approximate Cost per Board Foot |
|---|---|
| African Mahogany | $8–$10 |
| Sapele | $7–$10+ |
| Genuine Mahogany | $13–$17 |
| Premium Genuine Mahogany | $17+ |
| Large/figured specialty boards | $20+ possible |
These are broad market ranges. Prices change based on lumber grade, thickness, width, length, quantity, surfacing, location, and supplier.
For example, Bell Forest Products currently lists 4/4 genuine Honduran mahogany at $17 per board foot for quantities under 10 board feet, with the price dropping to $15.30 for 10–99 board feet and $12.75 for 100–499 board feet.
Woodworkers Source currently lists 4/4 genuine mahogany at $12.99 per board foot, while its quarter-sawn African mahogany is listed at $9.99 per board foot.
How Much Does Mahogany Cost Per Board Foot?
Mahogany is commonly sold by the board foot, especially when purchasing rough or surfaced hardwood lumber.
One board foot is equal to:
1 foot long × 1 foot wide × 1 inch thick
To calculate board feet, use:
Board Feet = Thickness (in.) × Width (in.) × Length (ft.) ÷ 12
For example, suppose you have a mahogany board that is:
- 1 inch thick
- 8 inches wide
- 8 feet long
The calculation is:
1 × 8 × 8 ÷ 12 = 5.33 board feet
If the mahogany costs $15 per board foot:
5.33 × $15 = $79.95
So the board would cost approximately $80 before shipping and other charges.
How Much Does a 4/4 Mahogany Board Cost?
4/4 mahogany is nominally 1 inch thick before surfacing.
A common 4/4 board that is 8 inches wide and 8 feet long contains approximately 5.33 board feet.
At different prices, the same board would cost approximately:
| Price per Board Foot | 8-ft × 8-in 4/4 Board |
|---|---|
| $8 | $42.64 |
| $10 | $53.30 |
| $13 | $69.29 |
| $15 | $79.95 |
| $17 | $90.61 |
| $20 | $106.60 |
This demonstrates why knowing the price per board foot is more useful than simply comparing the price of individual boards.
Actual board prices also depend on whether the lumber is rough, surfaced, select, clear, or sold as a specialty product.
How Much Does Genuine Mahogany Cost?
Genuine mahogany generally refers to Swietenia macrophylla, commonly called bigleaf or Honduran mahogany.
It is one of the most desirable mahogany species for fine woodworking.
Current U.S. supplier prices show genuine mahogany at approximately $13–$17 per board foot for common 4/4 material, although lower or higher prices are possible depending on supplier and quantity.
For example:
- Bell Forest Products: $17/bf for less than 10 bf
- Woodworkers Source: $12.99/bf
- Wood Vendors: $14.75/bf for 100–249 bf
Wood Vendors lists genuine mahogany at $14.75 per board foot for 100–249 board feet, with lower per-board-foot pricing for larger quantities.
Why Is Genuine Mahogany Expensive?
Genuine mahogany is more expensive partly because of limited availability, demand, quality, and international trade regulations.
It is also highly valued for its:
- Attractive reddish-brown color
- Straight to interlocked grain
- Dimensional stability
- Workability
- Durability
- Finishing characteristics
Because high-quality genuine mahogany is limited, clear and wide boards can command a significant premium.
How Much Does African Mahogany Cost?
African mahogany generally refers to species in the Khaya genus.
It is commonly used as an alternative to genuine mahogany because it offers a similar appearance and useful woodworking properties at a lower price.
Current pricing examples show African mahogany around $8–$10 per board foot for many retail quantities. Woodworkers Source currently lists quarter-sawn 4/4 African mahogany at $9.99 per board foot.
Wood Vendors lists 4/4 African mahogany at $10.30 per board foot for 100–249 board feet, with the price decreasing to $4.80 per board foot for orders of 1,000+ board feet.
This demonstrates how much quantity can affect the price of mahogany lumber.
Genuine Mahogany vs. African Mahogany Price
The difference between genuine and African mahogany can be significant.
| Feature | Genuine Mahogany | African Mahogany |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific group | Swietenia | Khaya |
| Typical price | $13–$17+/bf | $8–$10/bf |
| Color | Reddish-brown | Pink to reddish-brown |
| Grain | Usually straight | Straight to interlocked |
| Workability | Excellent | Good to excellent |
| Availability | More limited | Generally more available |
| Common uses | Furniture, boats, instruments | Furniture, doors, cabinets, boats |
African mahogany is not simply a cheaper grade of genuine mahogany. They are different woods from different genera.
Is Sapele the Same as Mahogany?
No. Sapele is not genuine mahogany.
Sapele is Entandrophragma cylindricum, a different African hardwood.
It is frequently used as a mahogany alternative because of its reddish-brown color, attractive grain, durability, and workability.
Sapele can also be less expensive than genuine mahogany.
For buyers, this distinction is important because a product labeled “mahogany” may refer to several different woods.
Always ask the supplier for the scientific name or exact species when price and performance matter.
How Much Does Mahogany Cost by Thickness?
Thickness can significantly affect the total price of a board.
Common hardwood thicknesses include:
- 4/4
- 5/4
- 6/4
- 8/4
- 10/4
- 12/4
- 16/4
Thicker lumber contains more wood per square foot, so it costs more overall.
Current Bell Forest pricing illustrates this difference. Its 4/4 genuine mahogany is listed at $17 per board foot for small orders, while 8/4 genuine mahogany is listed at $19 per board foot.
The thicker board also contains twice as many board feet as a board of the same width and length at half the thickness.
How Much Does Mahogany Cost for Furniture?
The cost of mahogany furniture depends on much more than the price of the lumber.
For a solid mahogany table, cabinet, chair, or other furniture piece, the final price can include:
- Mahogany lumber
- Lumber waste
- Milling
- Cutting
- Joinery
- Sanding
- Finishing
- Hardware
- Labor
- Design
- Shipping
For example, a furniture maker might need 50 board feet of mahogany for a project.
At $15 per board foot:
50 × $15 = $750
That $750 is only the estimated raw lumber cost.
After adding waste, labor, hardware, finishing materials, and overhead, the finished furniture can cost several times more.
How Much Does Mahogany Cost for a Boat?
Mahogany has a long history in boatbuilding because of its stability, workability, appearance, and durability.
Boatbuilding-grade mahogany can be expensive because projects often require:
- Long boards
- Wide boards
- Clear lumber
- Matching grain
- Specific thicknesses
- Quarter-sawn material
- High-quality stock
For this reason, the price per board foot for boatbuilding lumber may differ considerably from ordinary furniture-grade mahogany.
What Factors Affect Mahogany Wood Prices?
Several factors determine how much mahogany costs.
1. Species
Genuine mahogany, African mahogany, sapele, and other woods sold under mahogany-related trade names have different prices.
2. Grade
Clear and high-grade lumber costs more than lower grades containing more knots and defects.
3. Thickness
Thicker lumber contains more material and can command a higher price per board foot.
4. Width
Wide boards are often more expensive because large, clear pieces are harder to obtain.
5. Length
Long, clear boards can cost more than short boards.
6. Grain
Quarter-sawn, ribbon-grain, figured, or highly attractive boards can carry a premium.
7. Surfacing
Rough lumber and surfaced lumber can have different prices.
A supplier may sell rough lumber at one price and S2S, S3S, or S4S lumber at another.
8. Quantity
Buying larger quantities can significantly reduce the price per board foot.
For example, Bell Forest’s genuine mahogany price drops from $17 per board foot for small orders to $12.75 per board foot for 100–499 board feet.
9. Location
Shipping and local availability can have a significant effect on the final cost.
10. Sustainability and Trade Requirements
Genuine mahogany is subject to international trade controls, which can affect availability and sourcing requirements.
Buyers should purchase from reputable suppliers and ask about the source of the lumber.
How Much Does 100 Board Feet of Mahogany Cost?
The cost of 100 board feet depends on the type of mahogany and the supplier.
At different price points:
| Price per Board Foot | Cost for 100 Board Feet |
|---|---|
| $8 | $800 |
| $10 | $1,000 |
| $13 | $1,300 |
| $15 | $1,500 |
| $17 | $1,700 |
| $20 | $2,000 |
However, buying 100 board feet may qualify you for a bulk discount.
For example, Bell Forest currently lists genuine mahogany at $12.75 per board foot for 100–499 board feet, compared with $17 per board foot for orders below 10 board feet.
How to Save Money When Buying Mahogany
Mahogany can be expensive, but there are several ways to reduce your material cost.
Buy African Mahogany
If genuine mahogany is not essential for your project, African mahogany can provide a less expensive alternative.
Consider Sapele
Sapele can also provide a mahogany-like appearance at a competitive price.
Buy in Larger Quantities
Many suppliers offer volume discounts.
Choose Common Grades
If your project doesn’t require clear, flawless boards, a lower grade may provide significant savings.
Use Narrower Boards
If your design allows for edge-gluing several boards, you may avoid paying a premium for unusually wide lumber.
Compare Suppliers
Check several lumberyards before placing a large order.
Also compare shipping costs, because a lower board-foot price may not result in the lowest delivered price.
Is Mahogany Wood Worth the Price?
For many projects, mahogany is worth the additional cost.
It combines:
- Excellent workability
- Attractive appearance
- Good dimensional stability
- Durability
- Good finishing characteristics
- Long-standing use in premium woodworking
However, you don’t necessarily need genuine mahogany for every project.
If the project will be painted, if cost is your main concern, or if a similar appearance is acceptable, African mahogany or sapele may provide better value.
Final Answer: How Much Is Mahogany Wood?
So, how much is mahogany wood?
Mahogany lumber generally costs around $8 to $17 per board foot, depending on the species, grade, thickness, quality, quantity, and supplier. Genuine mahogany commonly costs around $13–$17 per board foot in current U.S. retail examples, while African mahogany is often around $8–$10 per board foot.
Premium, clear, figured, quarter-sawn, or unusually wide and long mahogany can cost considerably more.
The price can also decrease substantially when buying larger quantities. For example, one current supplier lists genuine mahogany at $17 per board foot for small orders but $12.75 per board foot for 100–499 board feet.
When comparing mahogany prices, always check the exact species, grade, thickness, dimensions, surfacing, quantity, and shipping cost. A board labeled simply “mahogany” may not be genuine Swietenia mahogany.
FAQs
1. How much does mahogany cost per board foot?
Mahogany generally costs around $8–$17 per board foot, depending on the species and quality. Genuine mahogany is usually more expensive than African mahogany.
2. How much does genuine mahogany cost?
Current U.S. retail examples put genuine mahogany at approximately $13–$17 per board foot for common 4/4 lumber. Premium material can cost more.
3. Is African mahogany cheaper than genuine mahogany?
Yes. African mahogany is generally less expensive than genuine mahogany. Current supplier examples put African mahogany around $8–$10 per board foot for many smaller quantities.
4. Is mahogany expensive wood?
Yes. Mahogany is generally considered a premium hardwood, particularly genuine mahogany. Its price is influenced by its appearance, workability, durability, availability, and sourcing requirements.
5. Is mahogany more expensive than oak?
Genuine mahogany is often more expensive than common oak, but the prices can overlap depending on grade, dimensions, and supplier.
6. Is mahogany more expensive than walnut?
Not always. Premium walnut can be more expensive than ordinary mahogany, especially when the walnut is figured, wide, or highly selected.
7. How much does 100 board feet of mahogany cost?
At $10 per board foot, 100 board feet costs $1,000. At $15 per board foot, it costs $1,500. At $17 per board foot, it costs $1,700. Bulk pricing can reduce the actual cost.
8. What is the cheapest type of mahogany?
African mahogany and some other woods sold as mahogany alternatives are generally less expensive than genuine mahogany. Sapele is another popular alternative.
9. Why is genuine mahogany so expensive?
Genuine mahogany is expensive because high-quality lumber is relatively limited, it is highly valued for fine woodworking, and international trade regulations can affect sourcing and availability.
10. Is mahogany good for outdoor use?
Some mahogany species, particularly genuine mahogany, have good natural durability and are used for outdoor applications such as doors, boats, and exterior furniture. However, proper design, finishing, drainage, and maintenance are still important for long-term performance.