African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Tropical West Africa
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately durable; susceptible to powder-post beetles and termites, but performs reasonably well against decay.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked to straight grain with a medium to coarse texture, exhibiting a characteristic ribbon or stripe figure when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a pale pinkish-brown to a deeper reddish-brown, darkening considerably with age and exposure to light. Sapwood is distinctively paler, yellowish-white.
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable; susceptible to powder-post beetles and termites, but performs reasonably well against decay.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately seasoned lumber, likely cut within the last 5 to 15 years.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to overexploitation; plantation-grown and FSC-certified sources are increasingly available.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, boat building, interior millwork, veneer, and turning.
Geographic Origin
Tropical West Africa
Workability
Generally excellent workability; planes, glues, and finishes well, though interlocked grain can occasionally cause tearout during planing.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and varnishes exceptionally well. A grain filler may be required for a perfectly smooth, glass-like finish due to the open pores.
Notable Features
Contains natural silica which can cause dulling of cutting edges; exhibits a distinct chatoyancy or ribbon figure when finished.
