African Mahogany
Khaya anthotheca • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain producing a subtle ribbon stripe figure, texture is medium to coarse with a uniform straight grain on this specific flat-sawn cut.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish brown; possesses a natural golden luster and chatoyance. Color darkens significantly with age and light exposure to a deep rich 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, veneering, boat building, interior trim, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and Central Africa)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$7.00 - $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled/modern stock based on the lack of oxidation, clean machine-sawn edges, and light surface dust.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable; CITES: Not listed; FSC certified stock is generally available.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues, stains, and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Faint cedar-like scent when freshly worked. Known for its aesthetic similarity to Genuine Mahogany but with larger pores and lighter weight.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or penetrating oils. Use of a grain filler is recommended if a smooth glass-like finish is desired due to large open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-pink hue, distinct open-pore structure, and characteristic ribbon-grain chatoyance are diagnostic of African Mahogany (Khaya).