African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture; produces a ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn. Shows characteristic long, dark vessel lines.
Color Description
Heartwood ranges from a pale pink to a deep reddish-brown. It exhibits a high natural luster and significant chatoyance; colors tend to darken with age and exposure to light.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; offers some resistance to rot but is susceptible to insect attack. Not recommended for direct ground contact.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, veneer, interior trim, and musical instruments (specifically guitar bodies and necks).
Geographic Origin
West and Central Africa (tropical regions)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $7.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern milled sample; shows minimal oxidation or patina, sharp edges, and fresh saw marks on the left side.
Sustainability Status
Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations. Not currently CITES listed, but FSC supplies are often available.
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing or surfacing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Features a distinct ribbon-like grain pattern; can sometimes harbor silica which dulls cutters. Odorless. Less stable than Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla).
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains and finishes well. A grain filler is recommended if a smooth, glass-like surface is desired due to the open pores. Polyurethane or lacquer are common for protection.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the coarse, interlocked grain and long, dark pore vessels is highly characteristic of the Khaya genus.