African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, creating a characteristic ribbon stripe pattern when quarter-sawn. Features a medium to coarse texture with straight to wavy longitudinal grain.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from a pale pink to a deeper reddish brown. Sapwood is yellowish-white. The wood displays a distinct golden luster and possesses chatoyance; it darkens significantly with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Durable to Moderately Durable. It has good resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, veneer, boat building, and plywood.
Geographic Origin
West tropical Africa (primarily Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Nigeria).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $7.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled. The lack of deep oxidation or heavy patina suggests the board was recently surfaced or is newer stock.
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List). Not listed on CITES Appendices, but some species of Khaya are under monitoring. FSC certified stock is generally available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues, stains, and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Often used as a more affordable substitute for Honduran Mahogany. Can cause respiratory irritation or skin sensitization in some individuals during sanding.
Finish Recommendations
Varnish, lacquer, or polyurethane finishes bring out the ribbon figure. Grain filler is often required if a glass-smooth mirror finish is desired due to the open pores.
Identification Confidence
High. The pinkish-brown hue combined with the tight ribbon-like interlocked grain and visible pore structure is diagnostic of the Khaya genus.