Wholesale African Mahogany Lumber Supplier

<< Lenga Lumber  |  Mahogany – South American (Genuine) Mahogany Lumber >>

Wholesale African Mahogany Lumber Stock Information

Quality:

Also known as Khaya.   Other names are Ngollon and Acajou.  African Mahogany has the widest range of quality.  There are 4 sub-species of Khaya, and three of them show up in the United States.  They are  Khaya Ivorensis, Khaya Anthetheca, and Khaya Grandifolio.  Most companies prefer the Khaya Ivorensis, it is lighter in weight, softer in texture, and not as dense.  Some companies specify they want African Mahogany from Ghana, which is considered almost all Khaya Ivorensis.  From this region, the lumber tends to be lighter not only in weight, but also in color. It tends to be consistent in color.  It also tend to be ‘hairy’, having raised grain. Historically, it is more expensive from this region.  Due to Ghana law, lumber must be Kiln-dried (value added)  to be exported.  Most of the African Mahogany comes from Cameroon and Congo.  It also is mostly Khaya Ivorensis, but tends to be darker in color, a little heavier, not as hairy.  Consistency in color and quality throughout these regions are less than from Ghana.

TMC buys from suppliers in these regions who supply the lumber which is most consistent in color and overall quality.  We import lumber from these regions both air-dried and Kiln-dried.  There is not a lot of availability in Gabon, but what is imported is mostly Khaya Ivorensis of good quality.  It comes in air-dried.  Ivory Coast is considered to have the least desirable Khaya.  This is because its forest has a mix of the subspecies.  There is a fair amount of Khaya Grandofolio, which is much heavier, harder, and inconsistent in weight and in color.  However, there is good Khaya which grows there.  If we buy from suppliers who sort out the Ivorensis, it is very good.  Some come to the USA as mixed- we carry some- it trades for about 10% less than from other regions.

Hardness:

Janka Hardness 1,070 lbf (4,760 N) The softest but still very close to Utile.

Grain:

Lumber come from large trees/logs.  About 60% or more is quartersawn. Flatsawn is desirable, looks a lot like Genuine Mahogany (Swetenia Macrophyla).  Quartersawn can range from a straight pencil-stripe ribbon to a wilder broken-ribbon stripe.  Also, quartersawn ribbon can have some interlocking grain.

Usage:

African Mahogany is used for making windows and doors.  Other uses are interior and Architectural millwork, Furniture.  African Mahogany have gained popularity for usage in exterior mouldings, including siding and soffits. Also for decking.  African Mahogany is also used for boat building.

African Mahogany Tonewood:

African Mahogany wood is one of the most popular exotic tonewoods available for major manufacturers and custom builders. Mahogany is used in the bodies, tops, necks, backs and sides of guitars and mandolins. The uniform pattern of mahogany, along with it’s density, compress midrange tones.  However, it also provides a thicker sounds. Mahogany works great when playing with other instruments. Mahogany is also beautiful when finished, which adds even more to it’s appeal. African Mahogany is often described as have a “woody” tone, while being bright and responsive.

African Mahogany lumber, or Khaya as it is also known for its scientific name Khaya ivorensis, is popular for use in flooring, furniture and cabinetwork, joinery, shop fixtures, boat building, plywood, interior trim and decorative veneers.  African Mahogany is considered a valid alternative substitute to Genuine (Honduran) Mahogany.

You may also be interested in

African Mahogany vs Sapele vs Utile Lumber

Video: Sapele vs African Mahogany vs Utile Lumber

Color Variation in Hardwood Lumber

All About Exotic Tonewoods : Mahogany, Sapele, and More