Mahogany (likely African Mahogany)
Khaya ivorensis · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- West Tropical Africa (from Liberia to Angola).
- Hardness
- 830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable; good rot resistance but susceptible to insect attack compared to Honduran Mahogany.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked, quarter-sawn appearance with a coarse texture and vertical ribbon-like vessels typical of African hardwoods.
Color & Appearance
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 (Janka)
830 lbf (Soft to Medium-Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable; good rot resistance but susceptible to insect attack compared to Honduran Mahogany.
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.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior trim, boatbuilding (veneer), and musical instruments (guitar bodies).
Geographic Origin
West Tropical Africa (from Liberia to Angola).
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing and jointer work. Glues and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Requires grain filler for a smooth glass-like finish; responds exceptionally well to oil-based finishes, lacquer, and shellac.
Notable Features
Characteristic chatoyance (luster), large open pores, and potential for silica content that can moderately dull blades.
