AFRICAN MAHOGANY

African Mahogany (Khaya spp.)

African Mahogany has outgrown its reputation as pretender-to-the-throne of Swietenia macrophylla (Honduran Mahogany) and today occupies its legitimate place as a high quality tropical hardwood in its own right.

Khaya possesses many of the same aesthetic and structural properties as Genuine Mahogany and along with Sapele is considered a “true mahogany”. (Only Swietenia macrophylla can be called “Genuine” mahogany).

Khaya’s color ranges from golden-brown to pale pink to subdued orange to darker red. Frequently exhibiting darker striping, that dramatic effect can be emphasized by quarter-sawing, which produces Ribbon Mahogany. This also reveals the highly desirable optical effect called “chatoyance”, where the changing grain produces a luster akin like looking into a Tiger’s Eye gemstone.

Grain is generally straight but can be interlocked, especially in Ribbon, but overall Khaya is easily worked and takes glue and stain readily.

Popular in furniture and cabinetry, boatbuilding, and interior trim. As genuine mahogany has become more scarce, African Mahogany has become ever more popular as a veneer for quality hardwood plywood.