What is Mango Wood?

Mango wood is the hardwood timber cultivated from the mango fruit tree (Mangifera indica). Native to the Indian subcontinent but also grown the world over in any place where the climate is frost free, notably in India, much of East Asia, Brazil and Mexico, the mango tree is grown primarily as a fruit bearing tree.

Growing up to a massive 100 feet in height and a diameter of up to 5 feet, a fully grown, mature mango tree is a real giant. As with many tropical hardwood trees, its leaves are evergreen and have a striking colouring turning from a pale orange when young to red and then green as the leaf ages. Its fruit has been popular all over the world for many years but is most widely used in Asian and Indian cooking.

While mango trees are an extremely long-lived species, as the tree ages it will eventually stop producing fruit. Once a tree reaches this stage, it is cut down and replanted and the trunk is used for beautiful mango wood timber. In its native India, the timber is commonly crafted into furniture, culinary equipment, vases, bowls and decorative carvings and is becoming more and more popular in Western countries.

Mango timber is a relatively hard, dense timber but is deceptively light. It has a wondrous close grain which varies in colour within each tree, changing from a light tan colour all the way through green and grey hues to a mid to dark brown. It is this stunning grin which makes mango wood desirable for furniture and provides a charming rustic look to any home.

The strong timber is also a great choice for furniture due to its mechanical properties. It is a pleasure to work with and takes cutting and turning easily. The multi-hued grain looks best in large flat panels and sweeping curves which allow the splendour of the grain to show. The wood looks especially beautiful crafted into large, simply formed items such as bookcases or tables, letting the grain sell itself rather than requiring ornate features.

Mango Furniture the benefits

Mango wood timber products are one of the most sustainable timber products on the planet, being made from what is essentially a waste by-product of the massive mango fruit industry in Asia. As the trees are continually being cut down to create space for younger trees which will produce more fruit, it would be a shame to waste such a valuable and decorative commodity hence the mango farmers sell on the timber to subsidise their livelihood.

The fair-trade mango furniture pieces and decorative items found in much of the western world are mainly produced in India by highly skilled, traditional craftsmen before being exported to other countries. As the cost of living in India is far lower than that of the western world, coupled with the fact that the mango wood is recycled from what is essentially a waste product, means that mango wood furniture is a very affordable alternative to many more common hardwoods and provides a good income for the skilled farmers and craftsmen that create it.

If you enjoyed this articles, and would like to find out more please visit Mango Wood Furniture. This article was written by James Rockford, who has a passion for furniture and writes regularly for sites such as Oak Sideboard amongst others.