African Mahogany
Khaya anthotheca • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain producing a distinctive ribbon-stripe figure on quarter-sawn surfaces; coarse texture with open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deep reddish-brown. It exhibits a high natural lackluster and chatoyancy, typically darkening to a richer reddish-brown with light exposure over time.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack. Best suited for interior use.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, veneer, interior trim, boat building, and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
West, Central, and East Africa (predominantly tropical regions).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample likely from within the last 5-10 years, evidenced by the high-gloss modern film finish and lack of deep oxidation.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (Khaya spp.); CITES appendix II listing is not current but it is often sourced under FSC certification to ensure sustainability.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing or jointing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Faint scent when being worked; known for its ribbon-stripe figure and cost-effective alternative to Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla).
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or oil-based finishes. Filling the open pores with a grain filler is recommended for a smooth, high-gloss glass-like finish.
Identification Confidence
Medium; the deep reddish-brown hue combined with the tight, light-reflecting ribbon-grain seen through the finish is characteristic of the Khaya genus.