Mahogany Kitchen Cabinets
Because the kitchen is the hub of the house and, in the case of remodeling, adds the most value to a home, it’s important to understand the basics of cabinetry and various wood species available. This article answers your questions about mahogany and why it’s a superb choice for your remodel project.
The inside scoop on mahogany
Mahogany belongs in the family Meliaceae, which contains about 550 species found in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, and the Caribbean. The highest in demand and price comes from Cuba and West India – this mahogany is so rare that some people pay as much as $28 per board foot (compared with cherry running $3 per board foot.) The species is becoming increasingly rare. Mahogany grows over 150 feet with trunks more than 6 feet in diameter. When freshly cut the wood varies from yellow, red, or salmon colored. With age mahogany turns to a deep rich red to reddish brown. It has a fine to medium texture with a deep, swirling grain. Abnormalities in the grain can produce highly attractive designs. Mahogany polishes to a high luster and is regarded by many as the world’s premier wood for fine cabinetry.
Why use mahogany for your kitchen cabinets?
Durability - The first consideration is durability; your cabinets are subject to a lot of abuse. Mahogany is a relatively hardwearing wood.
Richness & Artistic Style - There’s no doubt about it, mahogany kitchen cabinets will set the tone for your kitchen and make you the envy of your friends.
Comparison to other wood species
Hickory, oak, cherry, and pine are the most commonly used material for kitchen cabinets. Cost wise, cherry usually runs about 10% more than oak. Hickory, oak and pine run very close in price. Uncommon cabinet woods like mahogany, alder, fir, redwood, or teak are priced higher than common oak or pine.
Side note
There are some woods with mahogany in their name that aren't members of the mahogany family. Philippine mahogany is actually part of the Dipterocarpaceae family. Beware when you see names such as lauan or meranti – it’s inexpensive and is normally used in plywood.
Oak Kitchen Cabinets / Cherry Kitchen Cabinets / Hickory Kitchen Cabinets / Metal Kitchen Cabinets / Melamine Kitchen Cabinets / Thermofoil Kitchen Cabinets / Maple Kitchen Cabinets / Mahogany Kitchen Cabinets / Walnut Kitchen Cabinets