Sapele rough sawn lumber
Warm reddish-brown alternative with furniture and millwork appeal.
View optionAfrican Mahogany Wood Guide
Wood species guide · Imported specialty hardwood
African Mahogany is best understood by how it looks, how it works, and where it should be used. This guide explains the practical buying details before sending you to the right Kingma products.
Scientific nameKhaya spp., (primarily A.
Janka hardness850 lbf
Average dried weight33.9 lb/ft³
Best fitInterior trim
Overview
Why choose African Mahogany?
African Mahogany is an imported specialty hardwood. Its natural range is Tropical Africa. Common uses include interior trim, boatbuilding, furniture, turned items, plywood and veneer.
Scientific nameKhaya spp., (primarily A.
DistributionTropical Africa
ShrinkageRadial: 3.4%, Tangential: 5.7%, Volumetric: 9.3%, T/R Ratio: 1.7 More images | Identification
DurabilityModerately durable, with moderate to poor resistance to borers and other insects.
African Mahogany colour, grain, and figure
The heartwood spans pale pink through a richer reddish brown, and may show streaks in mid to deep reddish brown. The tones deepen over time.
The grain runs from straight to interlocked, and the texture is medium to coarse. It has a good natural sheen and strong chatoyancy.
Working notes
It is generally easy to work, but interlocked grain can tear out. In damp conditions it may discolour and corrode against iron fasteners.
Serious reactions are rare, but African mahogany is a known sensitizer in some people.
African Mahogany should be sold by project fit: colour, workability, durability, and the format the customer actually needs.
Best uses for African Mahogany
Best projects
Common uses include interior trim, boatbuilding, furniture, turned items, plywood and veneer.
Use caution
Avoid specifying it by name alone; confirm board size, moisture, colour, figure, and the project environment before buying.
Finish strategy
Test finishes on offcuts first, especially when colour, blotching, outdoor exposure, or grain filling matters.
Buying note
Choose boards, slabs, plywood, blanks, or posts based on the project rather than species name alone.
Shop path
Buying African Mahogany from Kingma
Start with the direct species match when Kingma sells it. If stock rotates, use the closest live collection or a clearly explained alternative.
Cherry lumber collection
Domestic warm-colour alternative when the customer wants easier sourcing and workability.
View optionSimilar woods and alternatives
If Kingma does not have an exact match online, use the buying links below as practical alternatives only when the colour, grain, hardness, or project environment makes sense.
African Mahogany FAQ
What is African Mahogany best used for?
Common uses include interior trim, boatbuilding, furniture, turned items, plywood and veneer. Match it to the exact board format, colour, hardness, and finish plan before buying.
Is African Mahogany beginner friendly?
It depends on density, grain direction, and tooling. Test cuts on offcuts first, and choose Maple, Cherry, Walnut, or Poplar when easier machining is the priority.
Does Kingma sell African Mahogany?
The buying section on this page links to any African Mahogany Kingma has in stock and to the closest alternatives. Stock changes often, so call (780) 229-7681 or visit the yard at 4607 91 Ave NW, Edmonton to check what is in today.