African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Tropical Africa (West and Central Africa)
- Hardness
- 1,070 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; rated as moderately resistant to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain producing a characteristic ribbon stripe figure when quarter-sawn. Texture is medium to coarse with a naturally high luster.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish brown, sometimes with streaks of medium to dark reddish brown. Color tends to darken with age and exposure to light. Sapwood is typically yellowish-white.
Hardness (Janka)
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; rated as moderately resistant to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled to recently seasoned (less than 1-2 years) based on the crispness of the edges, lack of significant oxidation, and clean surface texture.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations; available through FSC certified sources.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, veneer, interior trim, and musical instruments (particularly guitar backs and sides).
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and Central Africa)
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, but interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to most finishes. Grain filling is recommended for a glass-smooth surface. A simple oil or clear lacquer finish highlights the natural ribbon figure and chatoyance.
Notable Features
Features a faint cedar-like scent when being worked. Known for its aesthetic similarity to Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia) but at a more accessible price point. Poor steam bending properties.
