Lumber
African mahogany (Khaya) lumber
African mahogany (khaya, acajou d'Afrique) is the best-known African counterpart of classic mahogany, with a red-brown colour and easy working. It is used for fine furniture, joinery, veneer and boatbuilding.
| Typical thickness | 50 · 80 · 100 mm |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Khaya spp. (K. ivorensis, K. anthotheca, K. grandifoliola) |
| Origin | West, Central and East Africa |
| Other names | Khaya, Acajou d'Afrique, African mahogany |
| Density (12% MC) | ≈ 570 kg/m³ |
| Natural durability (fungi) | Class 3 (moderately durable) |
| CITES | Appendix II (documented trade) |
Grades and forms
What is African mahogany?
African mahogany is the common name of the Khaya species of West, Central and East Africa, traded as khaya, acajou d'Afrique and African mahogany. Khaya species are listed in CITES Appendix II, so they are imported and traded with CITES documents.
Characteristics
The heartwood ranges from pinkish brown to deep red-brown and darkens in light; the sapwood is clearly lighter. It has a medium texture and a slightly interlocked grain that shows a ribbon figure on quarter-sawn faces. At about 570 kg/m³ it saws and machines easily, glues well and finishes nicely. Once dry it is moderately stable.
Durability
Moderately durable against fungi and durable against dry-wood borers; it should be protected from termites.
Where is it used?
- Fine furniture and cabinetmaking
- Interior and exterior joinery, doors and windows
- Veneer and plywood faces
- Boatbuilding, decks and interiors
- Interior and exterior panelling
Price and availability
We give prices and current availability by phone. Tell us the thickness, grade and quantity and we will call you back. For a similar tone and use see sapele lumber and dibetou (African walnut).
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Request a quoteTell us the species, grade and size and we will call you back. Prices and availability are given by phone.