African Mahogany
Khaya anthotheca • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, which causes a ribbon-like striped figure on quarter-sawn surfaces; coarse texture with a straight to wavy grain seen on the flat-sawn face.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish-brown. It darkens with age and exposure to light. Luster is high with significant chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boat building, interior trim, veneer, and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
West tropical Africa (primarily Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$7.00 - $11.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh cut or recently surfaced; the light coloration and absence of heavy oxidation suggest a newer sample, likely processed within the last 1-3 years.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable; not currently CITES listed, but availability of FSC-certified stock is moderately common.
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, but interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing or surfacing. It glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often used as a more sustainable and affordable alternative to South American Mahogany; lacks the characteristic cedar-like scent of Spanish Cedar.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are excellent for durability; penetrating oils highlight its natural chatoyance and depth of grain. Grain filler is recommended for a glass-smooth finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the open-pored end grain combined with the characteristic reddish-brown color and interlocked ribbon grain features are diagnostic for the Khaya genus.