Mango Wood FAQs
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1. What is mango wood?
Mango wood is derived from the mango tree. This is the same tree that produces the sweet fleshy fruit known as ‘a mango’, characterised by skin that turns from green to yellow/red and an inside comprised of a large stone surrounded by juicy yellow flesh. Its ‘Latin’ name is mangifera indica.
The tree belongs to the Anacardiaceae family, which also includes:
- Pistachio
- Cashe
- Poison ivy
The mango tree is evergreen and grows to an average height of between 15 and 18 metres (50ft and 60ft).
2. Where does mango wood come from?
Although, mango trees can now be found across the globe, they are native to India, Myanmar (formerly Burma) and East Asia. The tree is cultivated in most tropical climates due to the popularity its fruit.
The wood is cultivated mostly in India, but the industry can be found in many other parts of the world, including Kenya and China.
3. What colour is mango wood?
The natural colour of mango wood is light to golden brown. However, mango wood is often beautifully discoloured due to ‘spalting’ — referring to the different colours wood can turn as a result of fungus. This effect is desired by artisans who work with wood.
Spalted mango wood contains streaks of colour ranging from light beige to black, but also including green and yellow tones. Mango wood is also receptive to wood staining, which produces rich deep brown colours.
Mango wood also shows prominent grain patterns, similar to oak and mahogany. These are highly sought after when polished.
If you wish to know more about mango wood please contact us and our experienced team will be happy to go through any questions you have. |
4. How do I clean mango wood?
Although mango wood is fairly water-resistant, it is advised that you do not clean it by applying water to the surface and removing with a sponge.
- Wipe down periodically with a slightly damp or dry dust cloth that contains no heavy stitching, in order to avoid scratches.
- Avoid all cleaning tools with a rough surface.
- Avoid polish or cleaning products containing silicone, which can dry out natural wood over time.
- Do not use detergents or any cleaning products that contain ammonia.
- Be careful when using a liquid or spray polish, as residue left on the surface can lead to discolouring.
- Rub wax in to the wood to create a beautiful shine and a natural protective finish. It also prevents the wood from drying out.
- Mineral oil can be applied using a cloth. This will build up over time to produce a protective surface.
- Minor scratches and chips can be repaired with furniture touch-up pens or soft wax filler.
| For even more advice, be sure to take a look at our guide to cleaning and caring for your wooden furniture, which includes tips for everyday cleaning, stain removal, and more. |
5. What is Dakota mango?
‘Dakota’ mango is a popular range of mango wood furniture. It comes as both dark-stained and with a lighter finish.
Dakota furniture is a timeless design, characterised by clean, contemporary lines with a chunky, solid look and feel. Square wooden handles complete the look, which can easily be changed to other wooden or metal alternatives to suit your décor.
6. Is mango wood hard or soft?
Mango is a hardwood. The stunning natural grain patterns and markings can be enhanced beautifully with a variety of stains and waxes to create completely unique pieces that will last the test of time.
- Hard wood usually comes from broadleaved trees, while soft wood is harvested from coniferous trees such as pine.
- Harwood trees take longer to grow to maturity than softwood trees.
- Generally, hardwoods are harder than softwoods. However, this is not always the case. Famously soft balsa wood is actually a hardwood, while the durable yew is a softwood.
7. How durable is mango wood?
Unlike many other hardwoods, mango wood is relatively easy to work. This makes it an excellent choice for carpentry and furniture-making; it’s easy to shape, plane and sand while boasting great strength. The result is that a high proportion of mango wood products contain ornate designs.
It is a densely grained wood, which contributes to the exotic pattern that can be found on some furniture.
Like all wood furniture, you are advised to keep it dry and away from sources of heat for any prolonged amount of time.
Mango has similar levels of durability to other hardwoods such as ash and oak.
8. Is mango wood sustainable?
Mango wood is highly sustainable due to its cultivation as a fruit tree.
The trees grow to maturity relatively quickly for a hardwood, reaching maturity after about 15 years. At this point they begin to produce less fruit, or stop altogether.
Mango farmers begin to plant new trees every 7 to 15 years before the older trees become barren. This creates a sustainable cycle of plantation and harvest, with only the less fruitful trees being chopped down for wood.
Using mango wood also means that there is less pressure to use more endangered trees such as teak.
