African Mahogany
Khaya spp.
Hardness
On the soft side; easy to work, but marks with hard use.
Overview
A more available, more affordable alternative to genuine (Honduran) mahogany, with a similar look and easy workability.
Commonly built
- Furniture
- Boat trim
- Doors
- Cabinetry
Appearance
Medium reddish-brown, sometimes with a subtle ribbon figure on quartersawn stock.
Recommended uses
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Machines, glues, and finishes easily. Interlocked grain on some boards can cause minor tearout, take light final passes.
Wood movement
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn african mahogany panel moves roughly 0.24 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content). Use the wood movement calculator to run your own board size and moisture range.
How much does African Mahogany move? → See flatsawn vs. quartersawn figures and a worked example.
Common questions
How hard is African Mahogany?
African Mahogany has a Janka hardness of 830 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is African Mahogany suitable for outdoor use?
African Mahogany is best used indoors; it is not naturally suited to sustained outdoor or wet conditions.
How easy is African Mahogany to work with?
African Mahogany has Good workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
How much does African Mahogany move seasonally?
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn african mahogany panel moves roughly 0.24 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content).
Finishing notes
Finishes much like genuine mahogany: takes stain and dye evenly, benefits from grain filling for a smooth film finish, looks rich under oil and lacquer. Interlocked grain can cause ribbon figure that finishes beautifully but sand carefully to avoid tearout showing through the finish.
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used african mahogany, reviewed before they appear here.
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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.