African Mahogany
Khaya anthotheca · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- West, Central, and East Africa (specifically regions like Ghana, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast).
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack. Poor choice for direct ground contact.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a coarse texture and large open pores. The sample shows a slight ribbon stripe figure typical of quarter-sawn Khaya.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish brown. Colors tend to darken with age and exposure to light. It possesses a high natural luster and moderate chatoyance.
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack. Poor choice for direct ground contact.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $9.00 per board foot depending on width and figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled/modern stock. The lack of significant oxidation, UV graying, or deep patina suggests the wood is less than 5-10 years old since processing.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable; not currently CITES listed but becoming increasingly regulated. FSC certification is available.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, interior trim, veneer, and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
West, Central, and East Africa (specifically regions like Ghana, Nigeria, and Ivory Coast).
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing or surfacing. It glues, stains, and finishes very well.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to all finishes. A grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth surface is desired due to the open pores. Polyurethane or lacquer enhances the natural luster.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its lighter weight compared to Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) and its characteristic cedar-like scent when freshly cut. Large, dark vessel lines are prominent.
