African Mahogany
Khaya spp.
Family: Meliaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
Africa
Avg. Dried Weight
37 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
1,070 lbf
Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Typical Color
Reddish Brown
Stability
Medium
Outdoor Suitability
Fair
Workability
Moderate
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Vulnerable
Did You Know?
- •African Mahogany is harder than 40% of the 137 species in our database.
Janka Hardness Scale
Medium
Overview
Professional Summary
African Mahogany (Khaya spp.) is a commercially important tropical hardwood frequently used as an alternative to genuine mahogany. It features attractive reddish-brown heartwood with ribbon stripe figure, and offers moderate durability with excellent workability for furniture, cabinetry, and boatbuilding.
In Plain English
African Mahogany is a beautiful reddish-brown hardwood commonly used for furniture, cabinets, and boat trim. It's easier to find and more affordable than genuine mahogany, with a similar warm look and good workability.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
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Species with similar characteristics and uses
Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar reddish brown color that are easily confused with African Mahogany. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Harder (Janka 1,750 lbf)
- • Heavier (47 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium
- • Harder (Janka 1,220 lbf)
- • Texture: Medium
- • Harder (Janka 2,430 lbf)
- • Heavier (55 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Harder (Janka 2,890 lbf)
- • Heavier (63 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Very Durable