African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Primarily straight to slightly interlocked grain showing a medium-coarse texture with open pores. The sample exhibits a uniform ribbon-stripe figure common in quartersawn or near-quartersawn Khaya species.
Color Description
Heartwood is a reddish-brown with a distinct golden-orange luster. It shows moderate chatoyance under light. The wood typically darkens with age and exposure to UV light, shifting toward a deep reddish-brown.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers moderate resistance to rot and decay but is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, veneer, interior trim, and musical instruments (specifically guitar backs and necks).
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and Central Africa)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $12.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years based on the oxidation of the finish and the style of the case construction.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to population reduction; not currently CITES listed but monitored. FSC certified sources are often available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing or surfacing. It glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Features a characteristic cedar-like scent when freshly cut. It is known for its stability and aesthetic similarity to genuine (Honduran) mahogany at a lower price point.
Finish Recommendations
Excellent results with oil-based finishes that pop the grain, or nitrocellulose lacquer. A grain filler is often recommended if a glass-smooth mirror finish is desired due to the large open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the open-pore structure, reddish-gold hue, and the specific ribbon-like grain pattern is a hallmark of the Khaya genus.