Mahogany (likely African Mahogany)
Khaya ivorensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, quarter-sawn appearance with a coarse texture and vertical ribbon-like vessels typical of African hardwoods.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium reddish-brown with a golden luster. Colors darken with age and UV exposure to a deep rich brown. Sapwood is pale yellow to white.
Hardness Rating
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable; good rot resistance but susceptible to insect attack compared to Honduran Mahogany.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, boatbuilding (veneer), and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
West Tropical Africa (from Liberia to Angola).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$7.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Recently milled rough-cut stock based on sharp edges and lack of oxidation or surface patina.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable. CITES: Not listed, but FSC-certified stock is widely available.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing and jointer work. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Characteristic chatoyance (luster), large open pores, and potential for silica content that can moderately dull blades.
Finish Recommendations
Requires grain filler for a smooth glass-like finish; responds exceptionally well to oil-based finishes, lacquer, and shellac.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the specific vessel size and interlocked grain arrangement on a rough-sawn board is diagnostic of the Khaya genus.