African Mahogany

African Mahogany (Khaya spp.)

Common Name(s): African Mahogany

Scientific Name: Khaya spp. (Khaya anthotheca, K. grandifoliola, K. ivorensis, K. senegalensis)

Distribution: West tropical Africa

Tree Size: 100-130 ft (30-40 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter

Average Dried Weight: 43 lbs/ft³ (685 kg/m³)

Basic Specific Gravity: .55

Hardness: 910 lb_f (4,040 N)

Bending Strength: 12,240 lb_f/in² (84,410 kPa)

Elasticity: 1,383,000 lb_f/in² (9,540 MPa)

Shrinkage: Radial: 3.7%, Tangential: 6.6%, Volumetric: 10.3%, T/R Ratio: 1.8

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is a reddish brown, also exhibiting an optical phenomenon known as chatoyancy. (See video below.)

Grain/Pore: Has a medium to coarse texture with open pores. The grain can be straight, irregular, or interlocked.

Durability: Rated as moderately durable, with resistance to termites, but vulnerable to beetles.

Workability: Easy to work, glue, and finish. Tearout can sometimes be a problem if the grain is interlocked.

Smell: There is no characteristic odor associated with this wood species.

Safety: Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, African Mahogany has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation. See the articles Wood Allergies and Toxicity and Wood Dust Safety for more information.

Price Range: Usually moderately priced considering the lumber is consider an exotic wood species. Some trees are also grown on plantations, which may help keep the cost down.

Comments: African Mahogany in the Khaya genus is considered to be a valid substitute for Honduran Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla), otherwise known as “Genuine Mahogany.”

Common uses include: plywood, turned items, furniture, boat-building, and interior trim.