African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain, providing a subtle ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn. Texture is medium to coarse with open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from a light pinkish brown to a deeper reddish brown. Sapwood is a pale yellowish-white. It exhibits a high natural luster and significant chatoyance; colors tend to darken over time into a rich reddish-brown.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot and decay, though it is susceptible to insect attack compared to Genuine Mahogany.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, boat building, veneers, and musical instruments (specifically guitar bodies and necks).
Geographic Origin
West Tropical Africa (from Guinea to Cameroon and Angola).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
20-40 years, based on the depth of the patina and the ambering of the film finish visible on the surface.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations. Not CITES listed.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, but interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Indistinct scent, low toxicity though dust can be a mild irritant. Exceptional stability once dried and excellent acoustic properties.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a grain filler for a smooth glass-like surface. Responds exceptionally well to wiping oils, nitrocellulose lacquer, and polyurethane.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the specific open-pore structure and slight ribbon figuring is characteristic of the Khaya genus.