African Mahogany
Khaya anthotheca • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain producing a characteristic striped ribbon figure; medium to coarse texture with large open pores
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deep reddish brown; darkens with age and light exposure; displays a natural high luster and chatoyancy
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boat building, veneers, interior trim, and musical instruments (guitar bodies)
Geographic Origin
West, Central, and East Africa
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$7.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and width
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample likely aged 5-15 years based on minimal oxidation and modern surfacing
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List); listed in CITES Appendix II; FSC certified sources are often available
Workability
Can be challenging due to interlocked grain leading to tearout during planing; glues and finishes well but requires grain filler for a smooth surface
Notable Features
Features a distinct ribbon stripe when quarter-sawn; has a faint cedar-like scent when freshly cut; dust can be a mild respiratory irritant
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to film-type finishes like lacquer or polyurethane; grain filling is recommended if a glass-smooth finish is desired; tung oil enhances chatoyancy
Identification Confidence
High; the large vessel pores, distinctive reddish-brown luster, and interlocked grain visible in the flat-sawn face are diagnostic for the Khaya genus