African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain producing a subtle ribbon stripe figure, with straight to slightly wavy patterns and a moderate texture. Small pin knots visible.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deeper reddish brown, often with streaks of medium brown. Sapwood is yellowish-white. Demonstrates a high natural luster and significant chatoyance; typically darkens with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,070 lbf (Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; vulnerable to insect attack and less resistant to rot than Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla).
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, veneer, interior trim, and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
West Tropical Africa (Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Nigeria).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processed lumber; based on the surface smoothness and lack of deep oxidation or patina, likely harvested and milled within the last 5-10 years.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (populations have declined over 20% in the last three generations); not currently CITES listed, but FSC certified sources are often available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing or surfacing. Glues, stains, and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Characterized by its light weight for a mahogany-type wood and its distinct ribbon-like grain. It can occasionally cause respiratory irritation in sensitive workers.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to a wide range of finishes. A grain filler is recommended to achieve a glass-smooth surface. Deepens beautifully with oil-based varnishes or clear lacquer.
Identification Confidence
High; the color palette, characteristic ribbon-stripe possibilities, and the specific pore structure and pinkish-brown hue are consistent with the Khaya genus.