Are you ready to build the deck of your dreams? What type of decking materials have you looked into? Have you considered a deck made of Mahogany wood?
Of all the exotic hardwoods offered at Rocky Mountain Forest Products, Mahogany is a top choice amongst Denver homeowners.
Why is Mahogany wood such a popular pick? Let’s explore what makes this exotic hardwood an ideal deck flooring option, and more importantly, what maintenance is required to ensure your Mahogany deck remains in tiptop shape.
Types of Exotic Hardwood
What is an exotic hardwood? It’s a type of wood typically grown in tropical regions, such as South America, Central America, Peru, Mexico, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brazil, Fiji, and Africa.
There are numerous kinds of exotic hardwoods, such as:
- Ipe (also referred to as Brazilian Walnut)
- Tigerwood (also referred to as Goncalo Alves or Brazilian Koa)
- Red Balau (also referred to as batu wood)
- Mahogany
- Garapa
- Australian Cypress
- Kempas
Exotic Hardwood Versus Domestic Softwood
Many types of domestic wood choices are softwoods, such as cedar, redwood, pine, spruce, douglas fir, and juniper. Softwood is less dense than hardwood, a lighter weight, and fairly flexible.
Comparably, an exotic hardwood fits its title – hard. The strength and density that comes with an exotic hardwood surpasses what a softwood can offer, and the growing process has everything to do with these differences.
Trees that produce softwood typically take 25-30 years to mature. Hardwood trees are slow growing. They can take up to 100 years to reach full maturity. The result? Dense timber with a complex structure.
Characteristics of Mahogany
Mahogany wood is a sought after exotic hardwood for a variety of home and recreational purposes. From furniture, flooring, and decorative molding to musical instruments, briefcases, and even boats, homeowners love to incorporate exotic hardwoods into all sorts of projects.
Exotic hardwoods are known for their rich grain patterns, vibrant colors, durability, and workability. More specifically, Mahogany is a type of exotic hardwood that comes with some unique traits and qualities.
COLOR: The color of Mahogany wood ranges anywhere from pink and red to brown and yellow. The heartwood consists of pink and light brown tones with reddish-brown streaks, and the sapwood displays a more pale pink tone with some yellow-brown hues.
Mahogany wood changes over time, though. When first cut, the wood appears a brown-orange tone. As it weathers and is exposed to sunlight, the wood darkens and turns a deep Mahogany color.
APPEARANCE: The grain pattern of Mahogany is primarily straight, although it is possible to come across a few waves and swirls. You won’t find a lot of knots or pockets in Mahogany wood either. This makes for a beautiful flowing grain pattern with an even texture.
LONGEVITY: Mahogany wood is moisture and rot resistant. Because Mahogany is so dense, pests and water have a difficult time penetrating this kind of hardwood. What better wood for an outdoor deck, right?
Preserving Your Mahogany Deck
Now, let’s jump to the suggested upkeep and maintenance of an outdoor deck made of this exotic hardwood. After all, the last thing any homeowner wants is a ruined deck after putting the time and money into such a big investment.
While Mahogany wood has numerous redeeming qualities, it is important to remember that Mahogany is still considered a natural wood product. Whether a softwood or hardwood, raw timber deteriorates when not sealed properly. Natural wood can only be moisture, decay, and rot resistant for so long before it begins to break down.
A Mahogany deck needs to be stained and sealed to maintain its integrity, strength, and color. Remember that deep Mahogany color mentioned above? Applying an annual coat of stain to your Mahogany deck is the best way to achieve that beautiful look.
Not all stains are created equal. When it comes to wood for decks, homeowners tend to prefer the look of a translucent or semi-transparent finish. These types of stains allow the natural hues of the wood to still shine through.
Furthermore, every kind of natural wood absorbs a coat of stain differently. Some soak up the stain more than others, and in turn, impacts the pigment. Before you purchase a large amount of stain, make sure to test a small portion of your deck first.
Depending on the condition of your deck prior to applying stain, you might need to clean areas of mold or mildew. A small amount of distilled white vinegar, warm water, and a scrub pad will do the trick. It is always best to scrub in the direction of the natural grain pattern of the wood, and don’t forget to rinse off any cleaning solution afterward.
You can also preserve your deck by clearing away debris on a regular basis. Dirt, mud, snow, leaves, or trash can harm the wood when left in one spot for an extended period of time.
Last but not least, homeowners should inspect their Mahogany deck for cracked, split, or warped boards. The sooner damaged boards are repaired or replaced, the better.
Why Choose Mahogany?
Is a deck made with Mahogany wood right for you?
A Mahogany deck is a stunning addition to any home, and following a few simple suggestions will help to maintain its natural properties and not ruin the raw wood.
At Rocky Mountain Forest Products, we understand the stress that comes with constructing a deck. We know that determining the best decking material to fit your needs and meet your expectations is no simple task. Our lumber hardwoods specialists are here to help you through the process.
