African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally interlocked grain causing a ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn; texture is medium to coarse with open pores visible on the surface.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a light pinkish brown to a deep reddish brown. It exhibits a high natural luster and chatoyance. Colors tend to darken and enrich with age and exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack (beetles/termites).
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, veneer, interior trim, and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and Central Africa)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $12.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from a finished piece of furniture approximately 20-50 years old, evidenced by the patina on the hardware and the localized wear on the finish edges.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations; commercially available but requires scrutiny of sourcing.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing if tools are not sharp or at an appropriate angle.
Notable Features
Lightweight compared to true mahogany (Swietenia); lacks a distinctive odor; occasional tension wood can lead to fuzzy surfaces if not sanded properly.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes exceptionally well. A grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth high-gloss finish is desired due to the open-pore structure.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the reddish-brown hue, large open vessel pores, and the ribbon-like interlocked grain visible in the finish are classic indicators of the Khaya genus used in furniture.