Teak and mahogany differ most in weather resistance, appearance and sourcing: teak’s oily, silica-bearing wood is commonly chosen for exterior furniture, whereas true mahogany is a comparatively even-textured
Teak (*Tectona grandis*) is typically oilier, more weather-tolerant and often more golden brown than true mahogany (*Swietenia* species). True mahogany usually has a finer, more uniform texture and reddish-brown cast. Hardness overlaps: representative Janka values are about 1,070 lbf for teak and 900 lbf for Honduran mahogany.
Teak’s extractives help it resist moisture-related decay and make it suitable for decks and outdoor seating, although its silica can dull cutting tools. Mahogany works cleanly, sands smoothly and takes a refined finish; interlocked grain can produce figure but needs careful planing. The USDA Forest Products Laboratory notes that properties vary with species, growing conditions, density and moisture content, so Janka figures are comparative guidance rather than a specification for every board in a project. Ask for the species, moisture content and finish system.
For exposed furniture, teak is usually the safer material choice because its natural oils and high decay resistance suit rain, humidity and changing seasons. Mahogany can perform well outdoors when a suitable species, construction and finish are used, but it is more commonly selected for interiors or covered spaces.
Unfinished teak can weather from brown or honey tones to a silvery gray under ultraviolet exposure without necessarily losing serviceability. Periodic cleaning removes surface grime, while oiling mainly changes appearance rather than creating a universal maintenance requirement. Mahogany outdoors needs special attention to end grain, drainage, fasteners and coating condition; standing water shortens the life of any timber assembly. Use raised feet, ventilated gaps and repairable joinery. The USDA Wood Handbook is a useful reference for understanding why moisture movement and construction details matter alongside species choice.
Responsible buying begins with a botanical name, not the trade name “mahogany.” Teak normally means *Tectona grandis*, while true mahogany refers to *Swietenia* species, whose international trade is CITES-regulated. Request origin, legality and chain-of-custody records; Forest Stewardship Council certification can add an independently audited sourcing signal.
The word mahogany is applied to multiple commercial woods, so an invoice should state the actual species rather than relying on a color description. For *Swietenia macrophylla*, consult the CITES species listing and confirm that supplier documentation matches the shipment and destination requirements. There are 3 accepted *Swietenia* species commonly associated with true mahogany, but availability and regulation vary by origin. FSC forest-management certification can support due diligence, although buyers should still examine product-level records, construction details and finish specifications.
Often, teak costs more when comparing similarly graded, legally sourced solid lumber, because demand for weather-resistant teak and traceable supply can be high. Price is not a species test: board dimensions, grain, drying, origin, certification, transport and fabrication can outweigh the base lumber price. Request a written species and material specification.
Teak usually needs less protective finishing outdoors than many woods because its natural extractives support weather resistance, but it is not maintenance-free. Sunlight can turn unfinished teak gray, grime can accumulate, and joints still need inspection. Gentle cleaning and periodic checks are sensible; oils alter color and are optional rather than universally necessary.
Do not identify true mahogany by color or a showroom label alone. Ask the seller for the botanical name, country of harvest, chain-of-custody documentation and product specification. “Mahogany” may describe several unrelated commercial woods. For regulated *Swietenia* material, verify applicable CITES documentation and any local import requirements before purchase.
This educational guide is published by M Furniture & Decor, a manufacturer of Thai teak furniture. Wood performance varies by species, grade, construction, finish, climate and maintenance; confirm project specifications with your supplier.
