African Mahogany
Khaya ivorensis · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Tropical West Africa
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
- Durability
- Moderately durable, with good resistance to rot and weathering, though susceptible to powder-post beetle attacks.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a medium to coarse texture, featuring characteristic ribbon or roe figure when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood varies from a pale pinkish-brown to a deeper reddish-brown, darkening considerably with age and exposure to light. Sapwood is typically a paler yellowish-white.
Hardness (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately durable, with good resistance to rot and weathering, though susceptible to powder-post beetle attacks.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $10.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be moderately seasoned lumber, likely between 5 to 15 years old based on surface oxidation and condition.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to over-harvesting; not CITES listed, but sustainable forestry sources are recommended.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, boat building, musical instruments, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Tropical West Africa
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Planes and shapes well, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing if cutting angles are not adjusted.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts stains, oils, and varnishes exceptionally well. A grain filler may be desired for a perfectly smooth, glass-like finish due to the open pores.
Notable Features
Displays a natural golden luster and chatoyance on quartered surfaces; contains silica which can moderately dull cutting edges over time.
