African Mahogany
Khaya anthotheca • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Principally straight to interlocked grain, with a fine to medium uniform texture and ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from a pale pink to a deeper reddish-brown, often with a golden luster. Colors tend to darken with age and exposure to light. Sapwood is yellowish-white.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot/decay but susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, veneer, boat building, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
West, Central, and East Africa.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be from a contemporary piece of furniture, likely manufactured within the last 5 to 15 years, showing minimal oxidation or wear.
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List); not currently CITES listed, but widely available as FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Features a distinct chatoyancy (shimmer) when finished. Lower density than American Mahogany but shares similar acoustic properties for instruments.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are recommended to protect the medium-soft surface; oil finishes enhance the natural golden-red luster.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The color palette, tight diffuse-porous grain structure, and subtle ribbon-like figure are classic hallmarks of Khaya species commonly used in modern furniture.