Wood species
African Mahogany
Khaya · Khaya spp.
Our kiln-dried Khaya is beautiful the most common substitute for genuine mahogany. Part of the mahogany Meliaceae family, this wood is the sibling of all mahogany trees as well as Sapele, and is routinely referred to as African Mahogany.
Key facts
- Janka hardness
- LowAbout 850 lb — easier on edge tools than dense exotics
- Stability
- Above averageRadial ~3.4% · Tangential ~5.7%
- Grain type
- Open & interlockingLarge pores, wavy/interlocked grain with natural luster
- Rot resistance
- Moderately durableBetter decay and insect resistance than many softwoods
- Sustainability
- Restricted awarenessIUCN listing · CITES considerations — ask us about current lots
- Workability
- Interlock cautionGrain can challenge planers — sharp cutters help
About this wood
Kiln-dried Khaya is the everyday stand-in for genuine mahogany — same Meliaceae family as sapele, routinely sold as African mahogany.
Fairly soft with interlocking grain and natural luster. Stability suits furniture and cabinetry; expect more tearout than softwoods when the ribbon grain fights a plane.
What we carry
- Khaya / African mahogany for cabinetry and furniture
- Guitar blanks when listed on Inventory
Thickness is sold in quarters (4/4, 6/4, and so on) — see our hardwood thickness guide. Grades: NHLA grades.