African Mahogany
Khaya anthotheca • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain, providing a ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn. Texture is medium to coarse with a natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from a pale pink to a deeper reddish-brown. Displays a notable golden luster (chatoyance). Color tends to darken with age and exposure to light.
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, veneering, boat building, interior trim, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
West, Central, and East Africa
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$7.00 - $12.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently sanded vintage stock; shows minimal oxidation and sharp, modern surface fibers.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Often used as a more affordable substitute for Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). Moderate scent when being worked; dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all finishes. A grain filler is recommended to achieve a glass-smooth surface due to its open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the diffuse-porous structure and characteristic ribbon-like texture is diagnostic of the Khaya genus.