Choosing the right type of mahogany flooring can be confusing.
Mahogany hardwood flooring is truly a unique, eye-catching wood known for its rich brown-red hue and striped appearance. It is often used to build furniture, cabinets, and doors. Because of its classy look and durability, it is also popular as an exotic hardwood flooring. Mahogany comes in many different species, styles, and colors, so it is no surprise that it works in any home or business, no matter the interior design. However, choosing the right type of mahogany flooring can be confusing. Here are tips for finding the perfect mahogany flooring.
Types of Mahogany
Mahogany is a go-to choice for adding luxury and elegance to any space. It is a straight-grained, reddish-brown wood harvested from different tropical hardwood species indigenous to North and South America. The three most popular types are:
Honduran: This species of mahogany has a native range from Mexico to the southern Amazon in Brazil, and it is the most common type used in commercial applications today. The Honduran species includes a lovely, clear, fine grain and will provide minimal shrinkage and swelling in different types of weather and temperatures.
African: African mahogany carries many of the same characteristics as Honduran mahogany and looks identical in many ways, but it is not considered a true mahogany. Processing takes a little more work, meaning extra care must be taken to create a smooth finish without damaging the wood.
Asian: Asian mahogany is a good option for plywood and works well as engineered flooring but does not stand up to the quality of true mahogany when it comes to traditional flooring and furniture due to its limited durability and its tendency to splinter.
Advantages of Mahogany Flooring
While mahogany flooring may be more expensive than other species of hardwood flooring, it is often a top choice of buyers. True mahogany flooring comes with a host of benefits that make it well worth the investment. This hardwood naturally resists decay caused by insects and water damage. It is tightly grained and usually naturally free of imperfections such as air pockets. With these characteristics, it is less likely to crack or buckle in the future.
Mahogany is also considerably stronger than other types of wood species, like pine and oak, and it is much more sturdy, depending upon the wood you choose. Lastly, the red-brown tone of the wood means it will not easily fade in the sunlight.
Caring for Your Mahogany Flooring
For routine cleaning, regularly sweep your floors to avoid abrasive damage from debris that people and pets may track in. Also, be sure to vacuum your floor at least once a week to remove dust or dirt that may have found its way between the floorboards. Never use water or water-based cleaners to clean your floor as the moisture can damage the wood.
Contact Us
Whenever you’re ready to build or renovate a business, Mahogany Inc. has your back. Call us at 410-727-0334 with any questions and speak to one of our licensed professionals. To see examples of our work or to gain inspiration for your next project, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.