The price of Genuine Mahogany lumber can often turn people away from this wonderful wood. However, just because you cannot afford Genuine Mahogany does not mean you cannot build with wood that shares the many of Mahogany’s same positive qualities.
Some substitutes may look different, may be softer, or may have a more exotic flair, but all of them promise the same quality found in Genuine Mahogany. Exotic and domestic lumber suppliers like McIlvain Company offer these alternatives to the classic lumber choice.
Sapele
Sapele is an African beauty know as an outstanding exterior wood with a rich reddish brown color, similar to that of Mahogany. Much denser than Mahogany, though, Sapele offers a tight grain structure, which polishes splendidly. Sapele boasts such a unique interlocking grain pattern that it is often left with just a clear coat finish.
African Mahogany
African Mahogany is actually an umbrella name for several different species, and Khaya Ivorensis and Khaya Senegalensis are the two most popular in the African Mahogany category. Neither is identical to Genuine Mahogany, but they are both wonderfully versatile and inexpensive alternatives. Khaya presents a beautiful interlocking grain pattern, which results in a striking ribbon pattern. Besides its cosmetic quality, Khaya is also more durable than Genuine Mahogany.
Utile/Sipo
Utile/ Sipo are two names for only one wood, the African species Entandrophragma utile. When consistency is key, those looking for an alternative to Genuine Mahogany should turn to Utile. This is an outstanding exterior wood that is easy to work and finish because of its consistent, straight grain. It also, like Genuine Mahogany, boasts a deep reddish brown color with little variation, no matter the cut.
Spanish Cedar
Spanish Cedar offers a softer alternative to Genuine and African Mahogany without sacrificing quality. Oddly, this wood is neither Spanish in origin, nor a cedar in categorization. Grown in Central America, it actually belongs to the hardwood category. The diverse workability of this wood and its compliance with paint or clear finish have made Spanish Cedar a favorite for exterior trim work, siding, doors, and windows.
All of these woods can replace Genuine Mahogany in a project where the checkbook is smaller but the imagination just as big. Trust McIlvain Company, one of the nation’s oldest and most reputable lumber suppliers, to help you choose the best Mahogany substitute at a price you can afford.
For over 200 years, McIlvain has worked to provide customers with the highest quality exotic and domestic hardwoods and softwoods in the world, and there’s no one in the lumber industry better equipped to help you with your next project. To learn more about McIlvain and to see the types of lumber they have in stock, visit them online today, or check out these selections from their blog:
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