African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain, providing a ribbon-stripe appearance when quarter-sawn. Features medium-to-large open pores and a slightly coarse texture with subtle chatoyance.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deep reddish-brown. It displays a natural golden luster and tends to darken and deepen in color with age and exposure to light. Sapwood is typically yellowish-white.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack. Generally used for indoor applications or protected musical instruments.
Common Uses
Veneer, plywood, fine furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, and musical instruments (particularly guitar bodies and drum shells, as seen here).
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West, Central, and East Africa)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $12.00 per board foot for high-quality lumber; higher for figured musical grade stock.
Wood Age Estimate
Estimated 40-70 years old. The patina, oxidation of the finish, and the specific wear/corrosion on the brass tension rods suggest a vintage musical instrument from the mid-20th century.
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 monitoring is ongoing.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing or surfacing. Glues, stains, and finishes exceptionally well.
Notable Features
Often used as a more sustainable/affordable alternative to Honduran Mahogany. It has excellent resonant properties for percussion and string instruments. Dust can be a respiratory irritant.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss lacquer (as seen in the sample) is traditional for instruments. It also responds well to grain fillers to level the large pores before applying polyurethane or oils.
Identification Confidence
High. The large, dark pore vessels, reddish-brown color with golden undertones, and its specific application as a steam-bent or multi-ply drum shell are classic indicators of Khaya.