African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain, providing a ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn. Texture is medium to coarse with large open pores visible in the face grain.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deep reddish-brown. Displays a distinct golden luster and chatoyancy under finish. Darkens with age and exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack. Not recommended for direct ground contact.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, boat building, veneer, and musical instruments (guitar backs and sides).
Geographic Origin
West Tropical Africa (from Guinea to Cameroon and Angola).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from a finished piece of contemporary furniture, likely 10-20 years old based on the ambering of the topcoat and the depth of the oxidation visible through the finish.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations. Not currently CITES listed, but FSC certified stock is often available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues, nails, and finishes well, though large pores may require filling for a glass-smooth surface.
Notable Features
Often used as a more affordable substitute for Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla). It has a faint cedar-like scent when being worked and contains moderate levels of natural oils.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are common for commercial furniture. To achieve the high-gloss look shown, a grain filler should be used first to level the large vessels, followed by multiple coats of clear topcoat.
Identification Confidence
High; the large, dark-colored vessel lines, reddish-brown hue with golden undertones, and the specific interlocked grain 'ribbon' effect are characteristic signatures of the Khaya genus.