A new deck can do a lot for your home and completely rejuvenate your backyard.
Not only will a new deck give you more enjoyment, but it can also increase your home’s value. This makes them a great investment if you are thinking about selling in the next couple of years.
However, one of the big decisions you will have to make is what the deck will be made of. There are all kinds of options out there and not all of them are going to be ideal.
Mahogany is a fantastic decking material and has a lot of benefits that others simply don’t. This is a high-end wood that is incredibly hard and can bump up your backyard’s look.
Just like any kind of material, it is going to have its upsides and downsides. Understanding what these are can help you decide if it is right for you.
In this article, we have laid out all the pros and cons of mahogany decking. Taking the time to know what these are can help you make the right choice.
Some of the things to consider when deciding on mahogany decking include:
- Pros
- Cons
- Mahogany Decking vs. Synthetic
- Mahogany Decking vs. Ipe
- Cost of Mahogany Decking
What is Mahogany Decking?
Mahogany wood is famous for Decking and Flooring and its natural appearance. It gives you rich, brown-red color and striped look. It is naturally rotting and decay-resistant. So that it becomes more durable compared to the many other hardwoods. It is perfect for decking. Mahogany has enough hardness that is suitable for Decking with less maintenance.
Brij, Timber Blogger
Mahogany is one of the more high-end woods that you can get for all kinds of projects.
It is straight-grained and comes in a reddish-brown color that is highly desirable. As it ages, the color will get much deeper and further into the brown color, but will still be very beautiful.
Mahogany is generally used for artisan carving and incredibly high-end furniture. Due to its hardness, it lasts a long time and will age very well.
It also features very few knots and inconsistencies, which is why it is usually used for decorative pieces.
However, because of its hardness, it is also great for projects like decks. If you can afford it, a mahogany deck could last you for many years and keep its beauty.
Benefits of Mahogany Decking
One of the major benefits of mahogany decking is its beautiful appearance.
The deep reddish-brown color of the wood is incredibly attractive and will enhance your home’s look. It also has an incredibly tight grain structure, which means there are very few inconsistencies.
For the most part, you will not be dealing with any knots or cracks in a mahogany deck.
Mahogany is also incredibly durable and weather resistant, which makes it great for the outdoors.
If you are building a deck, you want to make sure it is going to last for many years. Mahogany is a great option if you are looking for longevity and don’t want to replace it or do regular touch-ups.
Downsides of Mahogany Decking
Perhaps the most important downside of mahogany decking is its cost. Mahogany is a very high-end wood, which can translate to an incredibly expensive deck.
It also may not boost the value of your home enough to make up for the investment. You should do some research into your local housing market before deciding on this type of decking.
Mahogany is also an incredibly hard wood that can be difficult to work with.
Unlike other wood types, such as pine, drilling and cutting mahogany can be quite a chore. It may even require some special tools and training, which can be very hard to come by.
Mahogany Decking vs Synthetic Decking
When choosing woods for your deck, you must consider all the options.
If you are looking for longevity, your two best choices are going to be mahogany and synthetic decking.
While synthetic decking can be very durable, it is not going to be as attractive as mahogany. However, it will also be much less expensive.
If you want the strength and longevity of mahogany without the cost, synthetic could be a good option.
Related Reading: Composite Decking Brands 2023: Guide and Comparisons
Mahogany Decking vs Ipe Wood
One of the downsides of mahogany decking is the fact that it is not very sustainable. It is a relatively rare wood, which is one of the reasons it is so expensive.
If you are looking for a more sustainable option, Ipe decking could be a good choice.
Ipe is harvested from Brazil and is grown in such a way that it can be easily replaced. Ipe is harvested and then regrown in its natural regions, which makes it very eco-friendly.
Taking this into consideration, Ipe may be a more ecologically responsible choice for your deck.
Related Reading: A Guide to Ipe Decking: Pros, Cons, Maintenance and More
Cost of Mahogany Decking
Mahogany is one of the most expensive woods available for your deck. This is one of the reasons why it is usually reserved for ornamental pieces.
Mahogany can cost anywhere between $6 and $28 per square foot. This means it may not be accessible to people who want to use it for their deck.
Synthetic decking starts at around $1 per foot and Ipe starts at around $1.99 per foot. When you compare these prices, you can see how mahogany may not be the best choice for your deck.
Pictures of Mahogany Decking
Here are some beautiful mahogany decking solutions:
Check out our Pictures of Mahogany Decking Pinterest Board for more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does mahogany decking need to be sealed?
Mahogany decking needs to be sealed if it is going to keep its beauty. Because of its hardness, you may think that it can simply be installed and forgotten about.
However, if you are going to keep your deck in good shape, sealing it is essential.
Does mahogany decking shrink?
Mahogany decking may shrink slightly. It will not shrink as much as other decking types, though.
If you take care of your deck, you can be sure that it will stay in good shape for a long time.
How do you protect a mahogany deck?
You can protect a mahogany deck by sealing it with a high-quality outdoor sealant. This will protect the grain and help keep its beautiful natural color.
Resealing your deck once every two to three years will also protect it for decades to come.
Conclusion
Mahogany decking is a great idea if you want to keep your home looking beautiful and functional.
With the right installation and proper maintenance, your deck will last you for many years. You can enjoy the splendor of this outstanding wood and the beauty of your backyard.
