African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, which commonly shows a ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn. The texture is medium to coarse with a fairly uniform appearance.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish brown, sometimes with streaks of medium to dark reddish brown. Wood darkens with age and light exposure. It displays moderate natural luster and chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot and fungal attack, though it is susceptible to insect attack compared to Honduran Mahogany.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, veneer, interior trim, and musical instruments (specifically guitar bodies and necks).
Geographic Origin
Tropical West Africa
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$7.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Contemporary stock, estimated less than 5 years since milling based on the presence of red factory end-sealant and lack of significant surface oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations; not currently CITES listed, but FSC certified stock is often available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Features a red end-grain sealer typical of imported tropical lumber to prevent checking. Can cause respiratory irritation or skin sensitization in some woodworkers.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil-based finishes which enhance the depth of color. Grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth mirror finish is desired due to the open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue, diffuse-porous grain structure, presence of commercial end-sealant, and apparent density are classic markers of Khaya species.