Wood Species Guide
Santos Mahogany
Myroxylon balsamum
Also called: Cabreúva, Bálsamo, Quina, Tolu, Estoraque, Incienso
About the name “Santos Mahogany”
Santos mahogany is a flooring trade name. The tree is a legume and is not related to true mahogany (Swietenia); see our Mahogany page for that. The same tree is the source of balsam of Tolu, and a variety of it yields balsam of Peru.
What Santos Mahogany looks like
Heartwood is a rich reddish brown to purplish brown that darkens with exposure. The sapwood is pale yellowish and sharply set off. Fresh-cut wood has a spicy, balsam scent.
Grain and texture
Interlocked grain with a fine to medium texture and a good natural luster. Quartersawn faces show a ribbon stripe.
Working Santos Mahogany: planing, cutting and gluing
Hard and heavy, with a noticeable blunting effect on blades. The interlocked grain can tear out on the planer, so use sharp knives and a shallow pass. The resin can gum up tools; pre-drill for fasteners and wipe joints with acetone before gluing.
Finishing Santos Mahogany: oil, film finishes and epoxy
Takes oil and film finishes well and polishes to a warm glow. The resin can slow some finishes and epoxy from curing at the surface, so wipe with acetone and apply a thin seal coat before a pour.
Durability, stability and Florida humidity
Very durable against rot, with mixed reports on insect resistance. It is fairly stable for such a dense wood. In Florida it holds up well indoors and is a good candidate for covered outdoor pieces.
Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop
Most santos mahogany in the US is sold as flooring, where its hardness and deep red color are the selling points. Solid boards make handsome table bases, outdoor furniture and accents. We don't stock it, but ask us and we can often source it.
Common uses for Santos Mahogany
Flooring, furniture, interior trim, decking, heavy construction and turned objects.
Sustainability and CITES status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List.
Safety and toxicity
- Skin irritation
- Respiratory / asthma
- Sensitizer (allergy builds with exposure)
The dust can irritate skin and airways. The balsam in the wood is a recognized contact allergen, so sensitization is possible with repeated exposure.
- In the shop
- Dust collection + respirator when sanding; gloves for sensitive skin
- Food contact
- Not recommended for cutting boards, bowls and utensils
General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.
The dust has been reported to irritate skin and airways. The tree's balsam is a well-known skin allergen, so people with a known balsam of Peru allergy should take extra care. Use dust extraction, a mask and gloves.
Santos Mahogany in stock now
Ask us. We can often source it.
We don't have Santos Mahogany listed online right now, but new slabs and lumber come in all the time and not everything makes it to the website. Tell us what you're building and we'll check our racks and suppliers.
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