About Mahogany for Exterior Gates

Mahogany

• Mahogany is a dense, tight-grained tropical hardwood that has been favored for exterior projects for hundreds of years. It is high in tannins that make it water- and rot-resistant. Its water-tightness makes it a popular choice for exteriors doors, deck and shipbuilding. Appreciated, too, are its abilities to take glue, hold paint and clear finishes, and resist shrinkage.

Construction

• Finding a ready-made mahogany gate to suit your needs may be difficult. If you are an intermediate or advanced woodworker, you can do it yourself. Most homeowners, however, will have to have a professional woodworker make one. Look for designs that use the best construction techniques, such as mortises and tenons, for strength. Gates with spindles or open spots allow air to circulate and dry the gate quickly after rains.

Finish

• Paint is the most durable option, but it obscures the beautiful grain that may have led you to choose mahogany in the first place. Oil-based exterior primer and exterior acrylic latex paint--the best you can afford--do the trick nicely. Spar varnish--the type used for boat decking--provides a durable clear coat. For a more natural appearance, a penetrating wood sealer enhances watertightness. In fact, wood sealer improves paint adhesion when used before priming and painting.

Maintenance

• To ensure decades of performance, check the finish for damage each spring. Look for peeling paint and varnish, especially at wood joints, and remove by lightly scraping or sanding. Spot prime and paint as needed and add a coat or two of new varnish each spring. Penetrating sealer should be refreshed twice a year for best performance. Exterior mahogany finished with penetrating sealer will fade to a light gray over time.