African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; exhibits a ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deep reddish brown; colors typically darken with age and exposure to light. High natural luster.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately durable; heartwood is moderately resistant to rot and termites but susceptible to powder post beetles.
Common Uses
Veneer, plywood, furniture, boatbuilding, cabinetry, and interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and Central Africa)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $14.00 per board foot (depending on figure and width)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern stock; likely processed within the last 5-10 years based on surfacing marks and lacks deep oxidation patina.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable; listed due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, but interlocked grain can cause tear-out during surfacing or planing.
Notable Features
Faint scent when being worked; known for its ribbon-stripe figure; can cause skin irritation or respiratory issues in sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Finishes well with most conventional methods; oil-based finishes enhance the chatoyancy and darken the reddish hues beautifully.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the tight uniform pore structure and hints of ribbon grain are characteristic of the Khaya genus.