Mahogany (African)
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain providing a subtle ribbon-stripe figure; texture is medium to coarse with a straight or slightly wavy pattern.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish-brown; sapwood is yellowish-white. It exhibits a natural golden luster and typically darkens to a richer reddish-brown with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to termites but is susceptible to marine borers and dry wood insects.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boat building, veneer, musical instruments (guitar bodies), and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
West and Central Africa (primarily ranging from Liberia to Angola).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Contemporary wood sample; lack of significant oxidation or deep wear patterns suggest modern milling (within the last 5-10 years).
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List); not currently CITES listed but widely available as FSC-certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues, stains, and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Distinctive large pores and ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn; lacks the characteristic scent of Spanish Cedar or True Mahogany.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for polyurethane or nitrocellulose lacquer to enhance depth; a grain filler is recommended to achieve a smooth, mirror-like surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the open pore structure, reddish-brown hue with golden undertones, and subtle interlocking ribbon grain are characteristic of Khaya species.