Mahogany (African)
Khaya ivorensis (and related Khaya species) • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture, showing a uniform ribbon-stripe figure common in quarter-sawn sections.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from pale pink to a deeper reddish-brown. Darkens significantly upon exposure to light and age. Natural high luster with distinct chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; good resistance to rot but vulnerable to insect attack if not treated or sealed.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, veneering, boat building, interior trim, and musical instruments (guitar backs and necks).
Geographic Origin
West Tropical Africa (from Liberia to Angola and across to East Africa).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $12.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Secondary growth timber, likely harvested within the last 10-20 years; board shows modern surfacing and minimal oxidation/patina.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable; not currently CITES listed but subject to habitat loss monitoring.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Often used as a more sustainable/affordable alternative to Honduran Mahogany. Very light scent when freshly cut; low risk of toxicity but dust can be a mild irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Responds excellently to oil-based finishes which enhance the depth of color. Grain filler is recommended for a high-gloss glass-like finish due to open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-pink hue, distinct open-pore structure, and faint ribbon figure are signature characteristics of Khaya species mahogany.