African Mahogany: The Wood with Heritage, Heart, and Hardness

Beautiful grain pattern of African Mahogany.

A Legacy Rooted in Africa

African Mahogany isn’t just a pretty face in the lumberyard—it’s a wood with real roots. Harvested from the Khaya genus of trees native to West and Central Africa, this species has been prized for centuries by furniture makers, boat builders, and artisans worldwide. Its journey from dense African forests to your kitchen table is one of sustainability, tradition, and transformation.

The Global Journey

Historically, African Mahogany rose to fame as a sustainable alternative to South American Mahogany, which became endangered due to overharvesting. By the early 20th century, African Mahogany was in high demand—showing up in everything from luxury yachts to fine musical instruments. Today, it remains a favorite for its beauty, stability, and responsible sourcing, especially as global forestry standards have tightened.

What Makes African Mahogany Stand Out?

Technical Specs (for the Wood Nerds)

• Botanical Name: Khaya ivorensis (and related Khaya species)

• Janka Hardness: ~830 lbf (softer than maple, harder than pine—perfect for cutting boards and tables that need to be tough, but not tooth-chipping hard)

• Color & Grain: Reddish-brown to deep amber, with a striking ribbon-like or interlocked grain that shimmers under a good finish

• Density: Medium (not too heavy, not too light—just right for functional art)

• Stability: Excellent dimensional stability; resists warping and cupping, even in larger pieces like tables

• Workability: Machines and sands beautifully, but the interlocked grain can cause tearout if rushed—patience and sharp blades are a must

Durability & Food Safety

African Mahogany is naturally resistant to decay and insects, making it a solid choice for heirloom-quality boards and tables. All Carraway Creations pieces are finished with food-safe oils and waxes, so they’re as safe as they are stunning. (Bonus: Our boards meet NSF standards for food safety.)

Why We Love Working with African Mahogany

Every piece of African Mahogany is different—some with wild, swirling grain; others with a straight, classic look. It’s a wood that demands respect and rewards craftsmanship. We inspect every board, sand to a glassy finish, and oil each piece to bring out that deep, natural glow.

The Challenges

We won’t sugarcoat it: African Mahogany’s open grain can be tricky. Tearout happens if you rush. That’s why we slow down, use sharp tools, and check every surface—so you get a flawless finish, every time.

The Value: More Than Just a Pretty Board

African Mahogany isn’t “just wood”—it’s functional art. Its story, rarity, and beauty support our premium pricing and make each piece an investment, not just a purchase. When you choose African Mahogany, you’re choosing a piece of history, responsibly sourced and hand-crafted to last generations.

Care Tips for African Mahogany

• Clean: Wipe with a damp cloth—never soak!

• Oil: Use food-safe oil monthly to keep the grain rich and protected.

• Avoid: Extreme heat, standing water, and harsh detergents.

• Enjoy: Watch the color deepen and the grain pop as your piece ages.

Bring a Piece of African Heritage Home

Ready for a cutting board, table, or custom piece that’s as bold as your taste? Ask us about African Mahogany. At Carraway Creations, we don’t just build woodwork—we bring stories to life.

Curious about other premium woods? Stay tuned for our next spotlights on Ash and Purpleheart. Want to see African Mahogany up close? Book a custom consultation and let’s bring your vision to life.