Mahogany Vs. Fir Decking

Appearance

• Mahogany lumber is a dense wood that features interlocking grain patterns. The grain is straight, making it visually appealing, with relatively few knots or other blemishes, and the color of mahogany can vary from white to yellow to deep shades of red, depending on the species of Mahogany used. Mahogany that is not sealed using a stain or clear finish will fade over time to a shade of silver gray.

  Fir wood is closely knotted with a straight, tight grain. Upon initial installation, a fir deck will be a shade of pink in color and eventually will fade to a shade of silver gray with weathering.

Durability

• Since Mahogany has an interlocking grain, this prevents separation from occurring between the yearly rings of growth and also makes mahogany a very durable wood. Mahogany is also resistant against rot, wear and splintering. In comparison, mahogany is more durable than fir wood.

  Fir is a softer wood, so it is more easily dented and damaged. However, fir is also readily available as a pretreated wood, which makes it more resistant against insect damage and rotting. When choosing either wood, note that lumber made from heartwood is more durable than sapwood, no matter what species.

Cost

• Fir decking can range in cost from $9 to $16 per square foot, as of August 2011, which includes labor, materials and installation. Fir decking is among the most inexpensive options, as it is readily available throughout the U.S.

  On the other hand, mahogany decking is considered higher end and can cost anywhere from $17 to $23 per square foot, including materials, labor and installation.

Lifespan

• Ideally, properly maintaining a deck can increase its lifespan by several years. With good maintenance, the consumer can expect a deck made from fir to last around 10 years.

  Meanwhile, a well-maintained mahogany deck can last upwards of 30 years. Note, however, that American Mahogany lasts longer than Meranti Mahogany.

Maintenance

• Both fir and mahogany should be initially sealed with clear sealant to preserve the wood and extend its lifespan. Following the initial sealing, both woods should be resealed regularly throughout the life of the deck to continue to preserve the wood. Regularly sweeping off dirt and debris can help reduce unnecessary wear and tear from grinding the dirt and debris into the wood.