African Mahogany (Khaya) is the most widely traded mahogany alternative - a versatile reddish-brown hardwood with a fine, even texture and natural lustre. Lighter and softer than Sapele or Utile but easier to work, Khaya is a staple of furniture making, panelling, exterior joinery and boat building.
Genuine Mahogany (Swietenia macrophylla) supply has tightened significantly under CITES, and Khaya has stepped in as the go-to substitute for the joinery, boatbuilding and furniture trades. Heartwood is light reddish-brown to deep reddish-brown, often with attractive ribbon striping on the quartersawn face.
Khaya is markedly easier to work than Sapele - softer, with less interlocked grain and lower tool wear. It glues, screws and finishes beautifully and takes stain evenly. Reversing grain can cause some tear-out on quartersawn faces; sharp tooling and a light final cut produce a clean surface ready for clear coat or stain.
Indicative values from The Wood Database, AHEC species data and USDA Wood Handbook (FPL-GTR-190). Actual values vary by origin and growing conditions.
| Character | Dry | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Bending Strength (MOR) | 10,700 | psi |
| Stiffness (MOE) | 1,170 | 1,000 psi |
| Hardness (Janka) | 1,070 | lbf |
| Specific Gravity | 0.55 | - |
| Weight | 33 | lbs/ft³ |
| Radial Shrinkage | 4.5 | % |
| Tangential Shrinkage | 6.5 | % |
Other dimensions, grades and certifications available on request.
The go-to mahogany alternative - ribbon-stripe figure, dense and stable.
Deep red, rot-resistant African hardwood - a top mahogany alternative.
Golden-brown West African hardwood - Class 1 durable, an economical teak alternative.
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