African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Tropical West Africa
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable, with moderate resistance to decay and termites.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture and natural ribbon-like figure when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a pale pinkish-brown to a deeper reddish-brown, darkening considerably with exposure to light. Sapwood is a distinct paler yellowish-white.
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable, with moderate resistance to decay and termites.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 6.00 to 12.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled or fresh lumber, estimated less than 1-2 years old.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to over-harvesting; FSC certified sources are increasingly available.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, boat building, interior trim, veneer, and musical instruments.
Geographic Origin
Tropical West Africa
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, lacquers, and polyurethanes exceptionally well. A grain filler may be needed for a perfectly smooth, glass-like finish.
Notable Features
Exhibits a natural chatoyance and golden sheen when planed. Moderate weight and good dimensional stability.
