African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain, providing a ribbon-like figure when quarter-sawn. Medium to coarse texture with a naturally lustrous appearance.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish brown, sometimes with streaks of medium to dark reddish brown. Color tends to darken with age. Sapwood is a creamy white or pale yellow. Exhibits high chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; varied resistance to rot and insects; generally poor resistance to marine borers.
Common Uses
Veneer, plywood, furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
West and Central Africa
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $7.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on thickness and figuring.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing, likely 5-15 years since harvesting based on minor surface oxidation and contemporary milling quality.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations. Not CITES listed but regulated in some regions.
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well. Large pores may require grain filler for a glass-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Often used as a more affordable substitute for Honduran Mahogany; distinct ribbon figure is highly prized in furniture design.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes beautifully. A pore filler is recommended for a high-gloss look, followed by lacquer or polyurethane for protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the ribbon-like interlocked grain pattern and specific reddish-orange hue are diagnostic of the Khaya genus.