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Australian Red Mahogany
Grades & Properties of Wood Flooring —
Exotic Species
Scientific Name:
Eucalyptus resinifera
Other Common Names and Related Species:
- Eucalipto Kino
- Gum Eucalyptus
- Red Mahogany
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Origin:
Australia.
Janka Hardness: 2697
Australian Red Mahogany is almost as hard as Bloodwood and is very hard.
Grades of Australian Red Mahogany Flooring:
Australian Red Mahogany is grouped into two grades. The grades are called different things by different manufacturers, but there is a Select grade Red Mahogany and a #1 Common grade. Select grade Red Mahogany flooring has some color variation from light tan to pink and grays but has no knots. The #1 Common grade Red Mahogany will have pitch pockets and small knots. Pitch pockets are small black openings where pitch gathered inside the tree.
Note that Australian Red Mahogany is not true mahogany! Rather, it is a type of Eucalyptus.
Australian Red Mahogany Flooring Dimension Specifications:
Most Red Mahogany is milled in Australia because it is more cost-effective to ship finished material than raw lumber. Lengths of the Red Mahogany flooring bundles are 7 feet so they can easily fit into 8-foot-wide steel shipping containers. All pre-milled products are tongue-&-groove and end-matched (tongue-&-grooved on the ends of the boards). Moisture content ranges from 6% to 8% for quick acclimation. The average length of the flooring pieces is usually about 3 feet and ranges from 1 to 7 feet. Almost all imported flooring that is found is in 7-foot bundles, with widths available from 2¼″ to 5″. If a long or wide plank floor is desired, raw lumber must be obtained and the flooring must be milled here in the United States. Typically, the lengths can develop up to 12 feet. However, the cost can be double that of the pre-milled stock because of waste and labor costs in the United States. Also, raw lumber is relatively expensive and rare with this species.
Flooring Availability:
Australian Red Mahogany flooring is available prefinished or unfinished in solid for nail-down applications and in engineered form with a veneer top layer for concrete applications. Red Mahogany is an uncommon species in comparison with most hardwood flooring. There is a moderate amount of Jarrah in Australia, and it is not endangered. However, less logging, stricter regulations, and a slower American economy have limited commodities and caused slightly higher prices of this product in this country.
Finished Floor Appearance:
Red Mahogany flooring has pink, burgundy, tan, and gray color variations. The pitch pockets are almost black, and the wood color is dark tan and contains dark color variation. Oil- or water-based finishes are recommended. The flooring does not darken significantly with age.
Flooring Durability and Stability:
Australian Red Mahogany flooring is very durable and resists denting and traffic wear quite well. It is harder than many North American floors because of its density but can swell with moisture if not acclimated properly. Red Mahogany is heavy, weighing about 3 pounds per square foot.
Workability of Australian Red Mahogany Flooring:
Although hard and tough, Red Mahogany works with some difficulty with both hand and power tools. When installing the flooring, it is best to use a manual nailer, as staple and pneumatic nailers may split the wood. It holds screws well, glues well, stains, and polishes to a very attractive finish. It can be difficult to sand with flooring equipment, so professional sanding and finishing is recommended. This wood is resistant to decay and insects. To avoid a possible allergic reaction to the material, wear a dust mask and long-sleeve shirt when working with Red Mahogany.
Principal Uses of Australian Red Mahogany Flooring:
Red Mahogany flooring is used in medium- to high-end residential and commercial applications for an interesting floor. It is used in rustic camps as well as in contemporary structures.
