Which hardwood is light brown to reddish brown with a close and even grain, used in furniture, shop fittings, bar tops and solid flooring?

• A. Beech
• B. Mahogany
• C. Oak
• D. Ash

Answer: (B)

When you’re matching wood by color, grain, and typical uses, you look for a wood that has a warm, reddish-brown tone and a close, even grain that finishes smoothly. Mahogany fits this perfectly: it ranges from light brown to reddish-brown and typically has a straight, fine grain that creates a uniform surface with minimal visible figure. It finishes well, polishes to a high gloss, and is stable in varying humidity, which makes it a popular choice for high-end furniture, shop fittings, bar tops, and solid flooring. Beech tends to be lighter and paler with a more uniform but less rich color; oak has a lighter brown with a distinctive open grain and more texture; ash is usually pale with a pronounced grain. So mahogany matches the described color, grain, and versatile uses most closely.