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Exploring Alternatives to Genuine Mahogany

Last updated on November 4, 2014 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

Pile of Genuine Mahogany logs
Pile of Genuine Mahogany logs

Despite current concerns over grading and availability, Mahogany has a long and rich history as well as a promising future. As we look forward to greater availability and better grade Mahogany, we’re also committed to doing what it takes to both provide for our customers’ current needs and contribute to the long-term solution for Genuine Mahogany.

For the current situation, we believe that means suspending our long-time relationship with Genuine Mahogany. Instead, we’ll focus on sourcing African species that yield highly stable, long, and wide boards. Species such as Sapele, Utile, and African Mahogany exhibit many of the same qualities highly prized in Genuine Mahogany. At the same time, there are some downsides of these African species, and we want to make sure our customers are aware of the many pros and cons.

African Mahogany millwork
African Mahogany millwork

Benefits of African Alternatives for Genuine Mahogany

Many tropical hardwood species from Africa are actually more durable than Genuine Mahogany from South America, and some take fine moulded details better. In addition, Africa’s many certification and verification schemes make it easy for us to track inventory to the stump, verifying both the legality and responsible harvesting practices connected to the lumber we purchase. Despite the governmental responsibility being shown in forestry management, there are definitely challenges facing African species.

Down Sides to African Species

The good news is that there is no shortage of African tropical hardwoods. However, the shifting requirements of the market, combined with the volatile political climate of the continent, have created a bit of a quandary. The apparent “shortage” is not due to overharvesting, but simply due to a limited workforce involved in harvesting, sawing, and seasoning available lumber. This kind of thing is quite common within the lumber industry, but when it involves Africa, the time lapse between increase market demand and ability to meet the demand is greater than other areas.

Flat vs Quartersawn Sapele board
Flat vs Quartersawn Sapele board

Because of a drop off in demand, many mills have ceased production of African Mahogany altogether, despite its availability. Because of the current time lapse, many who were considering African Mahogany are looking at other alternative species; however, if some stick around and wait it out, a return to a steady demand for African Mahogany will surely lead to a steady supply.

Current Demand for African Species

Different markets have distinctive preferences among the African species. For instance, African Mahogany is almost exclusively a North American product. The European market tends to favor Sapele. Since all industry across Africa is under governmental control, the lumber industry takes a back seat to other industries, such as oil and gas, when those avenues of revenue become more promising. As a result, governmental regulation has caused the shutdown of much of the African forestry industry.

If mills lose money trying to produce a product (such as African Mahogany) that’s in demand from such a limited market, they cannot afford to continue to do so. Many are choosing to focus instead on species such as Sapele and Utile, which have more widespread markets.

Grading dried lumber at J Gibson McIlvain
Grading dried lumber at J Gibson McIlvain

J. Gibson McIlvain Company

Since 1798, when Hugh McIlvain established a lumber business near Philadelphia, the McIlvain family has been immersed in the premium import and domestic lumber industry. With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods.

As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, Supreme Court, and the Smithsonian museums.

Contact a representative at J. Gibson McIlvain today by calling (800) 638-9100.

Filed Under: Construction, Lumber

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