African mahogany wood is prized for its rich color and fine texture. This makes it a popular choice for furniture making and other crafts. But what specific properties of this wood make it so unique? In this blog post, we will answer these questions and more!
African Mahogany Properties
African Mahogany is a wood that has been naturalizing in tropical regions of West Africa, South and Central Africa turning into an increasingly popular plantation listing addition. African Mahogany is well known for its strength and durability. It can be recognized by these physical characteristics;
- African Mahogany wood has a very pleasant odor that's not at all similar to the scent of other woods.
- The Khaya genus consists of species from Africa, all with varied colors ranging anywhere from pale pink or muted orange to darker reddish-brown golden browns.
- Typically it has streaks or bands in medium browns that give the impression of depth when looking at their surfaces up close.
Physical Properties
- One of the notable properties of African Mahogany is its nail-holding ability because of its hard structure and interlocked grain.
- African Mahogany has long been prized for its superior sound quality, making it popular for musical instruments like guitars and drums.
- You should really take a look here to find out our collection of African Mahogany Guitar Body Blanks
- The figured wood is fairly easy to figure with. It glues pretty well and responds very nicely when stained or finished in a variety of ways.
- African Mahogany tree is used for many projects including furniture, flooring, and paneling. It's an appropriate choice because the bark weathers well; it cannot be eaten by borers or termites which means this project won't have any issues with flora decay either!
- When it comes to turning blanks specifically, African Mahogany is an ideal choice for any skill level of turner. It is easy to carve and sand down into whatever shape or design you desire. Additionally, it holds up well against chipping when cutting or shaping around corners.
Check here our collection on turning blanks
- African Mahogany Lumber is readily available in many sizes, Costs as plywood and veneer. Costs are low to moderate for a foreign hardwood
- Here’s an excellent collection of African Mahogany Lumber Boards
Differences between African Mahogany and Genuine Mahogany
First of all Genuine Mahogany doesn’t mean being singular. There are also other Mahoganies that grow in South and Central America.
The two types of mahogany have are some key differences to keep in mind when selecting the right type for your project. Here are some:
African Mahogany vs Genuine Mahogany
- African mahogany has a darker hue than genuine mahogany. The former has a reddish-brown tone, while the latter is more of an orange or pinkish brown.
- If you’re looking for durable and heavier hardwood for your projects, African Mahogany will be a better option.
- African Mahogany wood has a more uniform texture than Genuine Mahogany with less variation in its grain pattern.
- The heavier weight of African Mahogany wood is a plus point because it gives greater stability over time.
- The oil from the seeds of African Mahogany can also make a person feel better when applied topically as medicine against common colds in some cultures.
Overall, African mahogany is a beautiful hardwood that offers many advantages. Its workability and other factors make it an ideal choice for many projects.
By taking the time to select the right piece of lumber and prepare it properly, you can ensure that your furniture pieces will last a lifetime. With these tips, you’re sure to appreciate the beauty of African mahogany for many years to come.
Thanks for reading! If you're interested in learning more about African mahogany or other exotic woods, be sure to check out Exotic Wood Zone.
And check out our Species page to gather more information about African Mahogany
