African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; features subtle ribbon striping and chatoyance characteristic of the Khaya genus.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deep reddish brown; luster is naturally high, and the wood typically darkens to a richer reddish brown upon exposure to light and age.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot and decay, though it is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, veneer, interior trim, and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
West and Central Africa (primarily ranging from Côte d'Ivoire to Cameroon and Gabon).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently seasoned; shows minimal oxidation or patina, and the surface appears roughly planed with mill marks still visible.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable; listed due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations; not currently CITES listed but monitored.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can result in tearout during planing; glues and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Faint scent when being worked; known for its acoustic properties and light weight compared to true mahogany (Swietenia); can cause respiratory irritation in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or penetrating oils; grain filling is recommended if a glass-smooth high-gloss finish is desired due to the open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive reddish-pink hue, ribbon-like grain texture, and characteristic luster are hallmark indicators of Khaya species.