MAHOGANY, AFRICAN
Botanical Name: Khaya spp.
Occurring over a vast region of that continent, African mahogany is an immense tree, capable of growing to 200 feet in height. The wood, available in a wide range of sizes, is slightly more difficult to work than its South American cousin, but the reward, in its fine appearance and stunning figures, is great.
Other Names: Khaya; Nigerian, Benin, Lagos, Ghana and Ivory Coast mahogany.
Sources: West, Central and East Africa. Characteristics: Straight to interlocked grain; moderately coaree texture; reddish-brown.
Uses: Cabinetmaking, joinery, furniture, boat building, plywood and veneers.
Workability: Fair, dulls cutting edges moderately; may tear, pick up, or become woolly in cutting and planing; poor bending properties.
Finishing: Accepts finishes very well.
Weight: 34-36 Ib./cu. ft.
Price: Moderate.
