Mahogany: For Decks Or Floors [Pros, Cons, & Considerations For Homeowners]

Are you considering installing mahogany floors or already have a mahogany deck or flooring in your home? This hardwood is a classic and comes with its own set of pros and cons. This post lays out our research for you on all things mahogany decks and floors!

Mahogany is known for its durability and rich, deep finish. Because of this, it is well-suited for your deck or flooring. However, it is notoriously expensive due to its rarity. You will also have to consider its maintenance and how to identify authentic mahogany.

As a homeowner, you want to know about the materials that make up your home. There are a lot of things that go into having mahogany decks or floors. Read on to learn about mahogany's pros, cons, and considerations for you as a homeowner!

Wide shot of hardwood floors made of maple wood. Flooring woods varnish in natural red maple color. 3d visualization floor shot., Mahogany: For Decks Or Floors [Pros, Cons, & Considerations For Homeowners]

Is Mahogany Good For Decks?

We sometimes add affiliate links and content that was curated and created by our team with the help of advanced ai tools to help showcase the best design styles.

Wood texture background, wood planks

Mahogany is a great choice for decks. Since a deck is outdoors, you want to select wood that is resistant to the elements. That said, there are still a few aspects that you need to look out for.

Pros

Mahogany is a hardwood, which means its grains are dense and tightly packed together, making it very resilient. Its resistance to rot and water damage makes it ideal for decks. Moreover, it looks good!

Mahogany is also resistant to changes in the weather and temperature, so the sun doesn't affect its quality. You can be confident that your deck will not warp or shrink no matter what, and you can rely on it to last you for years.

Though rare, mahogany wood is still readily available at most wood dealers. You do not have to jump through too many hoops to get your hands on mahogany decking.

Cons

The number one con for mahogany decking is its high price. Since high-quality mahogany primarily grows in parts of Central and South America, its availability is more limited than other wood types.

Furthermore, its high demand has necessitated regulated sourcing to protect the trees from deforestation. The regulations further contribute to the supply deficiency, hence the high prices for the mahogany available in the market.

Another possible con is its inconsistent coloration - mahogany color can vary and darken or fade with sun exposure, but you can apply treatments to prevent this discoloration.

How Long Will A Mahogany Deck Last?

With proper care and maintenance, your mahogany deck will last for a maximum of 40 years. But factors such as the wood quality and how well you maintain the deck, and the deck frame will determine how long it serves you.

You can have the most durable mahogany decking, but it will deteriorate sooner if the frame is weak. Additionally, it is best to treat mahogany regularly to keep it in good shape.

Is Mahogany Good For Floors?

hardwood floor and white wall

As we mentioned, mahogany floors are a classic and safe option for flooring. This wood stands out from other hardwood types based on its color and rarity. Here are some of the things about mahogany floors that are useful for you to note as a homeowner:

Pros

Since mahogany is termite-resistant, mahogany floors will last you for many years. You do not have to worry about these pests burrowing through your mahogany floors and damaging them over time.

Aside from its durability and resistance, mahogany floors are perfect for interior design since it gives off a timeless look regardless of aesthetics. Its dark and rich appearance gives you just enough versatility to style your home.

Cons

Mahogany floor installation is a laborious process. Although the installation process may be worth it, there are certain situations where it is not cost-effective. For example, while mahogany is expensive, paying for labor will increase costs even more.

Even though mahogany is lighter than most hardwood types, it is still quite heavy. So, you may need to check with your contractor whether hardwood floors will work with your home.

How Much Does Mahogany Wood Cost?

Seamless wood floor texture, hardwood floor texture, wooden parquet.

Typically, you measure your flooring by the board foot. Mahogany price will vary depending on the grade of mahogany you purchase. You can expect costs ranging from $6 to about $28 per board foot, averaging at $9.

Since there is a considerable mahogany supply gap, you can get scammed if you do not know how to identify genuine mahogany.

You can request your hardwood dealer for certification from the Forest Stewardship Council or similar organizations. Certificates from forest conservatory organizations are usually proof enough for genuine mahogany, but you can also learn to identify it on your own, though this takes practice.

Generally, mahogany wood is reddish brown and is notably quite dense. Its pores are visible and well-distributed but not too large or coarse. In addition, the grain is straight and even.

Things To Consider With Mahogany Decks Or Floors

Maintaining mahogany floors is a lifelong responsibility. While you do not have to worry about them too much considering their durability, you must still keep your floors or decking well-maintained to keep the wood looking good.

Should You Seal A Mahogany Deck?

Like any other decking, you must seal the mahogany installed on your deck. Luckily, since mahogany wood already looks great, you only need a single layer of oil or lacquer. As much as possible, go for clear deck oil to help maintain your wood's natural color and properties.

Besides exposure to elements, your deck also experiences foot traffic. Moreover, while mahogany is water-resistant, it is not fully waterproof. Sealing your mahogany deck reinforces its durability. The rule of thumb is to reseal your deck every 1 to 3 years.

Click here to see Clear Wood Seal on Amazon

Does Mahogany Scratch Easily?

Mahogany is very stain and scratch resistant. But, while it takes a lot of effort to scratch a mahogany surface, it is still possible to scratch it.

Your mahogany floor is bound to show scratches if you do not care well for it or constantly subject it to pressures like dragging objects across it. You can clear away these scratch marks through buffing and waxing, depending on the extent of the damage.

Mahogany Floor Upkeep And Maintenance

One of the best and most basic ways to maintain your mahogany floor is by cleaning it regularly. In addition to a weekly vacuuming or sweeping schedule, you should clean your floor every two months.

Avoid using harsh cleaning chemicals on your mahogany, as they can break down the wood, causing irreversible damage. Also, never soak the floor in water. Instead, opt to use plain water and a soft, damp cloth. You can use a little floor cleaner to remove any unwanted stains.

Check whether your floor has a wax finish to determine whether you need to buff it. If it doesn't have a wax finish, then do not try to wax or buff it.

Mahogany Deck Upkeep And Maintenance

Wood Flooring Mahogany African Sanded

Regularly sweep your deck of any debris. You can do this at any interval, from daily to weekly, depending on the amount of dirt build-up or time you have on hand. This cleaning is enough until it is time for you to reseal.

Thoroughly clean the deck before resealing it. To do this, use a deck cleaner to scrub it and quickly rinse it with water. Then wait for the deck to dry completely before applying your sealer.

Click here to see Deck Cleaner on Amazon

Wrapping Things Up

Overall, mahogany decks or floors have more pros than cons. There is a lot to love about mahogany, and it is certainly worth it if you are willing to shell out a little more.

Mahogany is durable, attractive, and resistant to water, rot, and even termite damage. Also, it does not take much to clean. It is a timeless home staple that will last for many years with proper care. Its rarity may also be a plus since it makes this wood type unique.

The only glaring downside to mahogany is its high purchase and installation price. Moreover, although it's more resistant, it is still susceptible to changing color due to sun exposure.

Did you find this post helpful? If you did, check out our other articles before you go!

5 Best Sealers For Your Wood Deck

How Hot Does A Wood Deck Get?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *