African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain, providing a ribbon-stripe appearance when quarter-sawn; medium to coarse texture with large open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish brown, sometimes with streaks of medium to dark reddish brown. Color tends to darken with age. Displays a distinct chatoyance (luster).
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; varies by species but generally offers some resistance to rot, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, interior trim, veneer, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and Central Africa)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $7.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely harvested and processed within the last 2-5 years; shows fresh mill marks and minimal oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable; not currently CITES listed, but sustainability varies by region of harvest.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing or surfacing.
Notable Features
Often used as a more affordable substitute for Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla); lacks a distinct scent; dust can be an irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and finishes well; a grain filler is often recommended if a smooth, high-gloss finish is desired due to large pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown color, open pore structure, and characteristic luster/grain direction are classic indicators of the Khaya genus.