African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- West Tropical Africa (from Ivory Coast to Cameroon and Angola).
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; vulnerable to insect attack and less rot-resistant than true Swietenia mahogany.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain resulting in a characteristic ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn (as seen in the sample); texture is medium to coarse.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish brown, sometimes with streaks of medium to dark brown. The color tends to darken with age and UV exposure. High natural luster and noticeable chatoyance (light shimmer).
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; vulnerable to insect attack and less rot-resistant than true Swietenia mahogany.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $8.00 - $12.00 per board foot for 4/4 select grade lumber.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The finished furniture piece appears to be 20-40 years old based on the depth of the mahogany patina and the style of the decorative rope moulding.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List; widely available but subject to sustainability concerns regarding habitat loss.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, paneling, boat building, musical instruments (guitar bodies), and veneer.
Geographic Origin
West Tropical Africa (from Ivory Coast to Cameroon and Angola).
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing or surfacing. Glues and finishes very well.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a grain filler if a glass-smooth surface is desired due to open pores. Responds beautifully to oil-based stains, lacquer, and shellac which highlight the ribbon figure.
Notable Features
Often used as a more affordable substitute for Honduran Mahogany. It has a faint, cedar-like scent when freshly cut. Can cause skin and eye irritation in sensitive individuals.
