African Mahogany
Khaya anthotheca · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- West, Central, and East Africa
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain, providing a ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn. Texture is medium to coarse with a natural luster.
Color & Appearance
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 (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack.
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.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, veneering, boat building, interior trim, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
West, Central, and East Africa
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all finishes. A grain filler is recommended to achieve a glass-smooth surface due to its open pores.
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.
