Mahogany (African)
Khaya ivorensis · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- West Tropical Africa (from Guinea to Cameroon and Gabon).
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; features a distinct ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn and subtle chatoyance.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish-brown. It exhibits a high natural luster and tends to darken with age and light exposure into a rich, deep brown.
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $15.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent/Modern; the surface shows minimal oxidation or patina, appearing as a freshly planed or sanded contemporary sample.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations; not CITES listed.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, veneer, boat building, and musical instruments (especially guitar backs and sides).
Geographic Origin
West Tropical Africa (from Guinea to Cameroon and Gabon).
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and finishes very well; a grain filler is recommended to achieve a smooth, glass-like surface. Clear lacquer or Danish oil enhances its natural luster.
Notable Features
Often used as a more affordable substitute for Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla); lacks a characteristic odor; can cause skin irritation in some individuals.
