What type of wood? Mahogany?

[OneStaple]

Hey all,

We're going through my grandpa's estate, and I've been put in charge of anything woodworking related. He's one that never threw away anything.

We came across a stash of wood that appears to be some sort of mahogany and I'd love insight into what type exactly it might be. It was used as indoor wood paneling for a house he built in the 70's, which was later torn down (about 20 years ago). This was a house for himself that was custom built. He was an architect and builder with strong influences from Frank Lloyd Wright.

A few pictures are attached. The wood is freshly planed to remove dye and weathering, and it is wet with mineral spirits in some pictures (half and half). The wood is fairly light weight, in my opinion, seemingly lighter than soft maple or walnut.

Thoughts?

Thanks,
Tyler

[Redman]

Sapele maybe.

http://www.wood-database.com/sapele/

[Bill Holt]

 I don't think it is Mahogany.

[Stwood_]

Could also be Luan

[OneStaple]

Hmmm, Bill, what do you think it is then?

Anything I can do/check to narrow it down between possible guesses?

Tyler

[FS7]

That's almost certainly lauan. Mahogany is light, but it doesn't really look like that. Sapele is pretty heavy.

It looks and sounds like lauan.

[Red Sawman]

That's almost certainly lauan. Mahogany is light, but it doesn't really look like that. Sapele is pretty heavy.

It looks and sounds like lauan.

It is most definitely luan (Philippine Mahogany) .... Looks just like the stuff I salvaged from an East Asian pallet ...

Red

[Kansas City Fireslayer]

I agree.... Phillapino mahogany. It was commonly used in the 70’s.

[OneStaple]

Ok, seems like luan is becoming the consensus.

Is it worth saving? I only know of luan being used in plywood. There is a stack (not sure how many exactly, but enough to cover half of a 20x20 room, roughly) of these that are 3'-4' long, 8" wide (with nail holes down the length about 5" apart), and 3/4" thick. That's based on the board I currently have.

I can't say I'm blown away by the look of the wood, but it's not bad either.

Oh, and minor edit. Evidently the house was built in 1960. Earlier than I thought.

Thanks,
Tyler

[Stwood_]

Sure. Save it for *something*

Boxes...
Shop paneling....cabinets
Etc.....