African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain which can create a ribbon stripe pattern on quarter-sawn surfaces; coarse texture with open pores.
Color Description
Heartwood varies from a pale pink to a deeper reddish-brown. Color darkens with age and light exposure; exhibits a moderate to high natural luster and chatoyance.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boat building, veneers, interior trim, and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
Tropical West Africa
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 10 years old); surface shows rough-sawn industrial texture with little oxidation or wear patina.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Indistinct scent; carries a high risk of skin and respiratory irritation (sensitizer) from dust; known for its stability once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a grain filler for a smooth glass-like finish; takes stains and clear coats (polyurethane, lacquer) very well to enhance chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the distinct coarse, open-pore structure and slight ribbon-stripe figure is characteristic of the Khaya genus.