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African Mahogany (Khaya spp. (K. ivorensis, K. anthotheca, K. grandifoliola)) Hardwood
African Mahogany (Khaya spp.) is a group of tropical hardwoods from the Meliaceae family native to West and Central Africa. It is the most widely available and affordable mahogany-type wood on the mar...
Janka Hardness
1,070 lbf
Durability
Class 2-3
Lifespan
20-35 years
Density
35 lbs/ft³
What Is African Mahogany Wood?
African Mahogany (Khaya spp.) is a group of tropical hardwoods from the Meliaceae family native to West and Central Africa. It is the most widely available and affordable mahogany-type wood on the market, commonly used as a substitute for the increasingly scarce Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla).
With a Janka hardness of 1,070 lbf, African Mahogany is softer than Sapele (1,410 lbf) but offers excellent workability, stability, and a warm reddish-brown color. It is a favorite among cabinet makers, boat builders, and architectural millworkers for its consistent grain, ease of machining, and beautiful finish.
African Mahogany is lighter and less dense than most tropical decking species, making it better suited for interior applications, furniture, exterior joinery, and marine trim rather than high-traffic decking. It accepts stain and finish exceptionally well, glues reliably, and is widely available in large, clear boards.
Key Facts
- Most widely available mahogany-type wood on the market
- Excellent workability — machines, glues, and finishes beautifully
- Warm reddish-brown color that deepens with age
- Good dimensional stability for doors, windows, and marine use
- More affordable than Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia)
- Available in large, clear boards suitable for wide panels
Why Choose African Mahogany?
Excellent Workability
Machines cleanly, takes stain and finish beautifully, and glues with standard adhesives
Wide Availability
Most readily available mahogany-type wood — consistent supply in wide, clear boards
Good Stability
Reliable dimensional stability for doors, windows, and marine joinery
Attractive Color
Warm pinkish-brown to reddish-brown heartwood that darkens attractively with age
Affordable Mahogany Look
Delivers the mahogany aesthetic at a significantly lower price than Genuine Mahogany
Decay Resistant
Moderate natural resistance to rot and insects for a medium-density hardwood
Common Applications
African Mahogany is well-suited for a range of interior and exterior applications.
Doors & Windows
One of the most popular woods for exterior entry doors and window frames worldwide
Furniture & Cabinetry
Fine furniture, built-in cabinetry, and architectural millwork
Boat Building
Marine trim, planking, and interior joinery for boats and yachts
Flooring & Paneling
Interior flooring, wall paneling, and decorative trim
Musical Instruments
Guitar bodies, drum shells, and other instruments
Exterior Joinery
Pergolas, garden structures, and exterior architectural trim
African Mahogany by Application
Learn how African Mahogany performs across different project types.
African Mahogany Doors & Windows
African Mahogany is one of the world's most popular woods for exterior entry doors, combining good dimensional stability with a warm mahogany color and excellent machining properties. It's significantly more affordable than Genuine Mahogany while delivering a similar look and performance in protected exterior applications. Large, clear boards are readily available for wide door panels.
Explore all doors & windows optionsAfrican Mahogany Furniture & Cabinetry
The warm reddish-brown color, consistent grain, and excellent workability of African Mahogany make it a staple in fine furniture and custom cabinetry shops. It machines complex profiles cleanly, glues reliably, and takes all finishes beautifully. At a lower price point than Genuine Mahogany, it's accessible for larger projects.
Explore all furniture & cabinetry optionsInstallation & Working Tips
- Pre-drill recommended near board ends to prevent splitting
- Machines easily with standard carbide-tipped tools
- Sand progressively to 220 grit for best finish results
- Apply end-grain sealer for exterior applications
- Allow 7-14 days for acclimation to local humidity conditions
- Use stainless steel fasteners for exterior applications
For complete guidance, see our installation guide and custom milling services.
Maintenance & Care
African Mahogany has moderate natural durability. For exterior applications, regular finishing is essential to maximize lifespan and maintain appearance.
Interior Use
Clean with a damp cloth and mild wood cleaner. Refinish with oil or varnish every 3-5 years to maintain luster. The wood develops a richer color over time.
Exterior Use
Apply a UV-protective marine-grade finish annually to maintain color and protect against weathering. Without treatment, African Mahogany will gray and may deteriorate faster than denser species.
Finishing
Takes all finishes exceptionally well — oil, varnish, lacquer, and stain. For exterior use, marine spar varnish or penetrating oil provides the best protection.
Important Considerations
Not for High-Traffic Decking
At 1,070 lbf Janka, African Mahogany is too soft for high-traffic deck surfaces — better for joinery, furniture, and trim
Requires Finishing Outdoors
Less naturally durable than Ipe, Cumaru, or Sapele — exterior use requires consistent maintenance
Species Variation
Multiple Khaya species are sold as "African Mahogany" with varying properties. K. ivorensis is generally preferred.
Frequently Asked Questions About African Mahogany
Quick answers to common questions
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