African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, often resulting in a ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn; generally straight to slightly wavy with a medium to coarse texture.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from light pink to a deeper reddish-brown. Color darkens with age and exposure to light. It exhibits a high natural luster and notable chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft classification)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack without treatment.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, boat building, veneer, and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
West Tropical Africa (specifically Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$7.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on thickness and figuring.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing; likely less than 5-10 years old based on the lack of deep oxidation and the presence of fresh mill marks.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations; available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Notable Features
Known for its 'ribbon' grain appearance; can cause respiratory irritation or skin sensitization in some individuals during sanding.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all finishes. High-gloss lacquer or oil-based finishes are recommended to enhance the natural chatoyance and ribbon figure.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High; the reddish-pink hue, coarse pore structure, and characteristic interlocked fibers are highly diagnostic of the Khaya genus.