African Mahogany
Scientific name: Khaya ivorensis.
Overview
African Mahogany is a group of closely related hardwood species widely used as a substitute for genuine mahogany (Swietenia spp.). Native to West and Central Africa, it is valued for its warm reddish-brown color, balanced working properties, and broad availability.
Often used in furniture, cabinetry, and architectural millwork, African Mahogany offers a practical blend of aesthetics, strength, and affordability, making it one of the most commonly used African hardwoods worldwide.
Quick Facts
- Common Name: African Mahogany
- Scientific Name: Khaya ivorensis
- Region: African Hardwoods (West & Central Africa)
- Tree Size: 100–150 ft tall, 3–6 ft trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 36 lbs/ft³ (575 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 850 lbf
- Color: Pinkish brown to reddish brown
- Grain: Straight to interlocked
- Texture: Medium to coarse
Identification Characteristics
African Mahogany is typically identified by its reddish-brown coloration, open pores, and straight to interlocked grain. Quartersawn material often displays a ribbon-stripe figure similar to Sapele, though usually less pronounced.
Color and figure can vary depending on the specific Khaya species.
Key identification traits include:
- Warm reddish-brown heartwood
- Open pore structure
- Ribbon striping on quartersawn boards
- Lighter weight than many dense African hardwoods
Working Properties
African Mahogany is generally considered easy to work, contributing to its popularity.
- Machines and hand-tools well
- Interlocked grain may cause tear-out when planing
- Glues, sands, and finishes reliably
- Accepts stains evenly
- Stable when properly dried
Its forgiving nature makes it suitable for both professional shops and hobbyists.
Safety Note
Dust from African Mahogany may cause skin, eye, or respiratory irritation in some individuals. Proper dust collection, eye protection, and respiratory protection are recommended during machining and sanding.
Common Uses
African Mahogany is used across a wide range of applications, including:
- Furniture and cabinetry
- Architectural millwork and paneling
- Doors and window frames
- Veneer and plywood
- Musical instruments
It is commonly selected where the appearance of mahogany is desired at a more accessible price point.
Sustainability & Notes
African Mahogany (Khaya spp.) is not currently listed under CITES, but regional harvesting regulations apply. Responsible sourcing is encouraged due to variable management practices across producing countries.
Buyers should seek suppliers that document legal and sustainable harvesting.
Comparative Notes & Related Species
Honduran Mahogany – A classic true mahogany known for its excellent workability, stability, and rich reddish-brown color used in fine furniture and cabinetry.
Sapele – A commonly used African hardwood with similar strength and applications, often showing more pronounced ribbon grain and darker coloration.
Makore – A denser African hardwood with a finer texture and deeper reddish tone, frequently used in high-end furniture and decorative veneers.
Related Guides
Understanding Chatoyance in Wood
Explore Understanding Chatoyance in Wood to learn how grain orientation and reflected light can create the shifting visual depth seen in highly figured examples of this species.
Best Woods for Furniture Making
Explore the top wood species used in furniture making, based on strength, stability, workability, and overall appearance.
African Mahogany vs. Genuine Mahogany – Compare African Mahogany and Genuine Mahogany, including color, grain, workability, stability, durability, availability, and how each species performs in furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, and fine woodworking.
Compare Wood Properties
See how this species ranks in density and hardness using our Wood Density & Janka Hardness Chart. You can also explore Hardest Woods, Softest Woods, and Most Dense Woods for quick comparisons.
Collector Notes
African Mahogany is appreciated by collectors and woodworkers for its balance of workability, visual warmth, and wide availability across multiple species within the Khaya genus. Well-seasoned material typically exhibits a richer reddish-brown to medium mahogany tone, often deepening slightly with age and finish.
Boards with straight, even grain are generally preferred for furniture, millwork, and cabinetry, while pieces showing ribbon stripe, curl, or subtle interlocking grain are often reserved for decorative or showcase applications. Color consistency can vary between species and growing regions, making clearly identified and well-documented stock especially desirable for collectors.
Because African Mahogany is frequently used as a substitute for genuine Honduran Mahogany, collectors often seek older or slower-grown material that displays tighter grain and greater density. Properly dried boards with minimal checking and uniform coloration tend to hold the greatest long-term appeal, particularly for those maintaining reference collections or curated sample sets.
Video Overview
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Wood Sample Collection
This species is part of an ongoing effort to document and preserve wood samples from around the world.
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Resources
Authoritative botanical and forestry references used in compiling information about this species include:
• USDA Forest Service – Wood Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material
https://www.fpl.fs.usda.gov/products/publications/
• The Wood Database – Global reference for wood identification, physical properties, and woodworking characteristics
https://www.wood-database.com/
• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew – Plants of the World Online – Botanical taxonomy and species distribution database
https://powo.science.kew.org/
• International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN Red List) – Global conservation status assessments
https://www.iucnredlist.org/
• Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) – International trade regulations for protected plant species
https://cites.org/
Additional forestry publications, academic research papers, and regional timber studies may also be referenced where available.
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Availability & Where to Buy
Exotic hardwood availability can vary significantly depending on region, sustainability regulations, and supplier inventory.
As this archive grows, recommended suppliers and specialty wood retailers will be listed here to help woodworkers locate responsibly sourced material.
Lumber Suppliers:
Availability varies — check the Where to Buy Exotic Woods page for current sources
Related Tools & Products:
- High-quality sanding discs for surface preparation
- Wood finishing oils to enhance grain and color
- Carbide-tipped saw blades for clean, precise cuts
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