African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain resulting in a ribbon-like pattern on the flat surface; texture is medium to coarse with large open pores that appear as dark striae in the light-colored grain.
Color Description
Light pinkish-brown to medium reddish-brown heartwood. This sample shows a paler, freshly sanded or light-exposed tan tone. It commonly darkens to a deep reddish-brown with age and exhibits noticeable chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
1070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; resistance to rot and termites is moderate, though it is not as durable as genuine Honduran Mahogany.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments (guitar backs and necks), boat building, veneer, and kitchen utensils.
Geographic Origin
West Tropical Africa (spanning from Guinea to Angola).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Recent; likely less than 5 years old based on the lack of deep oxidation and the clean, modern tool marks on the tines.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (Khaya species); not currently CITES listed but widely available from FSC certified sources.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes very well, though grain filler is often needed for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Faint scent when being worked; known for being a more affordable alternative to Swietenia macrophylla with excellent acoustic properties for instruments.
Finish Recommendations
Food-grade mineral oil or beeswax for utensils. For furniture, polyurethane, lacquer, or penetrating oils like Danish oil are recommended to highlight the natural chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; the diffuse-porous structure, large visible vessel elements, interlocked grain, and distinctive light reddish-brown hue are characteristic of the Khaya genus.