Westindian mahogany (Swietenia spp) is also called baywood, Caoba, Havana wood and is widely considered the top mahogany, but over-harvesting wiped out what was considered to be the Caribbean’s finest natural resource. It was imported to Europe from 1650 in huge quantities for shipbuilding, furniture and technical needs due to its superior look and perfect characteristics. It is a heavy, tight-grained wood with a rich, reddish red-brown colour that darkens with light exposure. It carves beautifully, and machines like a dream! Easily finished, the wood takes an excellent polish and has a natural high lustre. It is one of the most dimensionally stable woods in the world.
