When investing in furniture that is meant to last a lifetime, the first question our clients usually ask is: "Is this real wood?"followed closely by, "Is it Narra?"
For generations, Narra has been the gold standard in Philippine households—known for its durability and deep, rich color. However, with strict logging bans and environmental protection laws now in place to save our National Tree, finding authentic, legal Narra is becoming increasingly difficult.
This brings us to the wood of choice for Mejore’s modern masterpieces: African Mahogany.
The Short Answer: Is African Mahogany Good for Furniture?
Yes. African Mahogany (Khaya ivorensis) is widely regarded by master craftsmen as a superior, sustainable alternative to Narra. It matches Narra in density, rot resistance, and longevity. More importantly, its unique interlocking grain makes it incredibly stable, meaning it is less likely to warp in the fluctuating Philippine humidity compared to other hardwoods.
1. Sustainability: Luxury Without the Guilt
The reality of the furniture industry today is that we must balance beauty with responsibility.
-
Narra: Often sourced from uncertain origins due to conservation status.
-
African Mahogany: Sourced from certified, sustainable plantations.
When you buy a piece from Mejore, you are purchasing "Conflict-Free" furniture. We ensure that our materials are ethically harvested, allowing you to pass down a dining table to your children that isn't just beautiful, but environmentally responsible.
2. The "Interlocking Grain" Advantage
Have you ever seen a wooden table "cup" or curve upwards at the edges? This happens when wood reacts to moisture in the air.
African Mahogany is famous for its interlocking grain structure. Imagine the wood fibers woven together rather than just running parallel. This natural "weave" acts as a locking mechanism, making the wood significantly more resistant to movement, twisting, and bowing.
For a tropical country like the Philippines—where we switch between hot outdoors and air-conditioned indoors—this stability is essential.
3. The Look: Deep, Rich, and Elegant
Aesthetically, African Mahogany belongs to the same Meliaceae family as true Mahogany. It possesses a deep, reddish-brown hue that naturally darkens and becomes richer as it ages—a quality loved by antique collectors.
It is also incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer the high-gloss "piano finish" of our classic lines or the matte, open-grain look of our Scandinavian-inspired pieces, African Mahogany takes stains and finishes beautifully.
The Mejore Difference: It’s Not Just the Wood, It’s the Kiln
Even the best wood will fail if not treated correctly. At Mejore, we don't just rely on the wood species; we rely on science.
Every board of African Mahogany we use undergoes a rigorous Kiln-Drying Process at our Pasig facility. We mechanically lower the moisture content to 10-12%. This process:
-
Prevents Cracking: Ensures the wood won't shrink when brought into your dry, air-conditioned home.
-
Sterilizes the Timber: High heat eliminates any potential wood-boring insects before the manufacturing even begins.
Conclusion
While we will always respect the legacy of Narra in Philippine history, African Mahogany is the wood of the future. It offers the same strength, the same beauty, and the same heirloom quality, but with the added peace of mind that comes from sustainability.
Ready to see the difference? Visit the Mejore Showroom in Legaspi Village, Makati, to touch and feel the grain of our finished African Mahogany collections.