African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Primarily interlocked grain, producing a distinct ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn. Texture is medium to coarse with a high natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish-brown. Color tends to darken with age and light exposure to a rich brown. Notable chatoyance (light-reflecting ribbon effect) is visible in the grain.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack. Not recommended for direct ground contact.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, interior trim, veneer, and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and Central Africa)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled lumber (less than 1-2 years since processing) based on the lack of deep oxidation/patina and crisp surface texture.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations. FSC certified stock is often available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though the interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing or surfacing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often used as a more affordable substitute for Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). It has a very faint, characteristic cedar-like scent when freshly cut. Can cause respiratory irritation in some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are excellent for protecting the surface. To highlight the ribbon stripe figure, a penetrating oil or shellac sealer followed by a clear topcoat is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown color combined with the prominent ribbon-stripe grain and coarse pore structure is diagnostic of the Khaya genus.