Origin
Tropical Africa
Janka Hardness
850 lbf
Average Weight
2.825 lbs/bf
Color
Heartwood ranges from pale pink to deep reddish brown, often with medium-to-dark reddish brown streaks; colors deepen with age; quartersawn surfaces display a distinctive ribbon-stripe figure.
Working Characteristics
- Generally easy to work
- interlocked grain may cause tearout
- avoid iron-based fasteners in damp conditions due to staining/reaction risk
- glues, turns, and finishes well.
Species Specifications
| Botanical Name | Khaya |
|---|---|
| Other Names | African mahogany, khaya, acajou d’Afrique |
| Origin | Tropical Africa |
| Average Weight | 2.825 lbs/bf |
| Janka Hardness | 850 lbf |
| Pore Structure | Diffuse porous |
| Grain / Texture | Straight to interlocked grain with medium to coarse texture; good natural luster with a high degree of chatoyancy. |
| Rot Resistance | Moderately durable; moderate to poor resistance to insects and borers. |
Hardness Compared to Other Woods
See where African mahogany, khaya, acajou d’Afrique falls on the Janka hardness scale compared to other familiar hardwoods.
Softer
Harder
Basswood
410
Cherry
950
Walnut
1010
Red Oak
1290
Hard Maple
1450
Hickory
1820
Purpleheart
2520
The Janka hardness rating measures resistance to denting and wear. Higher numbers generally indicate a harder, denser wood.
Technical Properties
| Shrinkage | Radial: 3.4%, Tangential: 5.7%, Volumetric: 9.3%, T/R Ratio: 1.7 |
|---|---|
| Modulus of Rupture | 11,730 lbf/in2 |
| Elastic Modulus | 1,410,000 lbf/in2 |
| Crushing Strength | 6,570 lbf/in2 |
Why Woodworkers Choose Capital Hardwood
Carefully Selected
We prepare boards with real woodworking projects in mind.
Surfaced Four Sides
S4S lumber saves shop time and is ready for your next project.
Ships Nationwide
Order premium hardwood and have it shipped directly to your home or shop.
Real Woodworkers
We know these materials because we work with them every day.