Mahogany (specifically African Mahogany)
Khaya ivorensis · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Tropical Africa (West, Central, and East Africa)
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot and termites but is susceptible to marine borers; typically used for indoor applications
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; exhibits a slight ribbon-stripe figure common in quarter-sawn surfaces and a subtle wavy pattern
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish-brown; darkens with age and exposure to light. It possesses a natural gold-like luster and noticeable chatoyance
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot and termites but is susceptible to marine borers; typically used for indoor applications
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Approximately $7.50 to $12.00 per board foot depending on width and figure
- Wood Age Estimate
- The sample appears modern (1-10 years post-milling) based on the surface pencil markings and the relatively bright, non-oxidized state of the reddish hues
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations; often available with FSC certification
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding (interior), musical instruments (especially guitar backs and necks), veneer, and luxury trim
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West, Central, and East Africa)
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing or surfacing; glues and finishes very well
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and most finishes beautifully; a grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth high-gloss finish is desired due to the open pores
Notable Features
Often used as a more sustainable/affordable alternative to Honduran Mahogany; can cause respiratory irritation or skin sensitization in some woodworkers
