Mahogany (specifically African Mahogany or Luan/Meranti)
Khaya ivorensis or Shorea spp. • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium-coarse texture. Displays a subtle ribbon figure and small cathedrals consistent with flat-sawn secondary wood in furniture joinery.
Color Description
Medium pinkish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood. The wood shows a dull luster in its unfinished state but typically darkens significantly to a deeper reddish-brown with light exposure and finishing.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; generally resistant to rot if African Mahogany, though Luan subspecies used in furniture interiors are less durable.
Common Uses
Secondary furniture wood (drawer sides/bottoms), cabinetry, trim, veneer, and boat building.
Geographic Origin
West Africa (Khaya) or Southeast Asia (Shorea/Luan)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $9.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
30 to 50 years based on the окисляются (oxidation/patina) and the style of the machine-cut dovetails and drawer construction.
Sustainability Status
Khaya is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List; FSC certification is available but requires verification of source.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause surface tear-out during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Lightweight compared to domestic oaks; has a faint, cedar-like scent when freshly cut. Often used as a cheaper mahogany substitute in mid-century furniture.
Finish Recommendations
Oil-based stains to enhance the reddish tones, followed by lacquer or shellac. A sanding sealer is recommended due to the porous grain.
Identification Confidence
High. The pinkish-red hue, stringy grain texture, and the specific application as a drawer side with machine dovetails are hallmark indicators of 20th-century mahogany-grade secondary wood.