African Mahogany
Khaya anthotheca • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked, showing typical ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn. Displays elongated dark pore streaks on the face grain.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish brown. Darkens significantly with age and light exposure. Features a medium to high natural luster.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable. Offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack. Not suitable for direct ground contact.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boat building, veneers, interior trim, and musical instruments (guitar backs/sides).
Geographic Origin
West and Central Africa (Tropical regions)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$7.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently aged (under 5 years) based on the light pinkish hue and lack of deep oxidation.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (Khaya spp.). Sourced increasingly from managed plantations; FSC certification is available but requires verification.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Lacks a characteristic odor. Known for its aesthetic similarity to Genuine Mahogany but is more prone to fuzzy grain and tearout during machining.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to most finishes. A sanding sealer is recommended to prevent uneven absorption. Oil-based finishes enhance the reddish tones and chatoyancy.
Identification Confidence
High. The reddish-pink hue combined with the distinct, elongated open pores and occasional interlocking grain pattern is characteristic of Khaya species.