African Mahogany (Khaya)
Khaya ivorensis · hardwood · West Africa · low movement
- Janka hardness 1,070 lbfred oak ≈ 1,290 lbf
- Density ≈ 32 lb/ft³specific gravity 0.46 at 12% MC
- Shrinkage — tangential 4.5%flatsawn width, green → ovendry
- Shrinkage — radial 2.5%quartersawn width
- T/R ratio 1.8 : 1higher = more cupping in flatsawn stock
Shop notes Lighter and cheaper than Honduran mahogany with much of the same stability. Interlocked grain fuzzes; a sharp scraper fixes it.
Seasonal movement at a glance
Width change for african mahogany (khaya) across a typical indoor year — 6% moisture content in the heated winter to 12% in a humid summer:
| Board width | Flatsawn | Quartersawn |
|---|---|---|
| 6″ | 1/16″ (0.058″) | 1/32″ (0.032″) |
| 12″ | 1/8″ (0.116″) | 1/16″ (0.064″) |
| 24″ | 7/32″ (0.231″) | 1/8″ (0.129″) |
| 36″ | 11/32″ (0.347″) | 3/16″ (0.193″) |
Run your own numbers
Different width, different climate swing — the calculator below is preset to african mahogany (khaya):
Typical swings:
African Mahogany (Khaya) questions
How much does african mahogany (khaya) move with the seasons?
A 12″-wide flatsawn african mahogany (khaya) board moves about 1/8″ across a typical indoor swing from 6% to 12% moisture content; quartersawn, about 1/16″. Its tangential shrinkage is 4.5% and radial 2.5% (green to ovendry) — a low-movement wood.
How hard is african mahogany (khaya)?
African Mahogany (Khaya) rates about 1,070 lbf on the Janka scale — softer than red oak but sturdy (red oak is roughly 1,290 lbf). Density runs about 32 lb/ft³ at indoor moisture levels.
Is african mahogany (khaya) good for wide panels and tabletops?
Yes, with normal precautions: its 1.8:1 tangential-to-radial ratio is moderate. Still fasten solid tops so they can move across their width.
Similar species
Teak · Southern Red Oak · Southern Magnolia · American Holly · Chestnut Oak · Black Walnut
Shrinkage, specific gravity, and hardness from the Wood Handbook, FPL-GTR-282 (2021 edition), USDA Forest Products Laboratory (public domain). Values are species averages — individual boards vary with growth conditions and how they were dried.