Mango
Mangifera indica
Also known as: Mango Wood
Exotic / Importedlow
Janka Hardness
1,070 lbf
4.8 kN
Density
675 kg/m³
3.5 lbs/bf
Grain
Interlocked, wavy
Texture: Medium to Coarse
Figure
Wavy grain figure, common mineral staining and spalting
Drying
Moderate
Movement: Moderate
Origin
South and Southeast Asia
Anacardiaceae
Plain-Language Guide
Mango is the eco-friendly choice you didn't know you had. Every piece comes from a fruit tree that already lived its full productive life — you're not clearing a forest, you're using wood that would otherwise be burned. The color variation can be spectacular, especially spalted pieces. If you have poison ivy sensitivity, wear a respirator when sanding.
Common Mistakes
- Buying unseasoned mango — it checks badly during drying; always source properly kiln-dried material
- Ignoring the poison ivy family connection — mango is in Anacardiaceae; the dust can irritate skin and airways in sensitized people
- Dismissing it because it's cheap — low price reflects abundant supply, not poor quality; spalted mango in particular can rival expensive exotics for visual impact
Color & Appearance
Heartwood
Sapwood
Highly variable — pale cream to golden-brown with gray, green, or pink streaks. Spalted mango adds dramatic dark mineral staining. No two pieces look the same.
Workability
Hand Tools
Moderate
Machine Tools
Good
Gluing
Easy
Finishing
Easy
Turning
Suitable
Carving
Not typically used
Generally easy to work but interlocked grain can cause tearout. Drying can be tricky due to susceptibility to checking; always source kiln-dried material. The Anacardiaceae family connection means some people react to the dust.
Global Availability
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Specialty importers only |
| Southeast Asia | Widely available |
| Africa / Middle East | Specialty importers only |
| Australia / NZ | Specialty importers only |
Health & Safety
Allergen Risk
Moderate
CITES Status
None
Notes
Related to poison ivy (Anacardiaceae family). Dust and sap can cause skin reactions, particularly in those with poison ivy sensitivity. Wear a respirator and gloves. Sap may cause dermatitis in sensitized individuals, especially those sensitive to poison ivy.
Common Uses
Furniture Bowls and turning Flooring Decorative objects Kitchen utensils
Sustainability: Highly sustainable — typically sourced from orchard trees at end of fruit-bearing life. No virgin forest felling required. One of the most eco-friendly exotic timbers available.