African Mahogany Lumber in Houston – Overview

African Mahogany Lumber

Specifications

  • Thicknesses (Commonly StockedAplicar Houston Hardwoods in): 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, and 12/4. We also offer custom milling to your exact specifications (e.g., 1×2, 1×4, 1×6, or other custom dimensions), as well as various options including S4S, S2S, S2S1E, and SLR1E.
  • Species: Primarily Khaya spp. (Khaya ivorensis or Khaya senegalensis)
  • Hardness (Janka): 1,070 lbf
  • Color: Light pinkish-brown to deep reddish-brown heartwood; pale sapwood; darkens with age
  • Grain: Interlocked or irregular, often with ribbon-like stripes; medium to coarse texture with moderate luster
  • Workability: Good — machines and finishes well but interlocked grain may require sharp tools to avoid tearout
  • Common Uses in Houston: Custom furniture, cabinetry, decorative veneers, boatbuilding, and specialty woodworking

What Makes African Mahogany Unique

African Mahogany stands out from other hardwoods like Honduran Mahogany and maples due to its bold, ribbon-like grain and rich reddish-brown color. Unlike Honduran Mahogany’s finer, smoother grain, African Mahogany has a more dramatic, interlocked grain pattern that adds a striking look to furniture and veneers. Compared to Soft Maple’s plain, light grain or the figured patterns of Curly and Birdseye Maple, African Mahogany’s vibrant, coarser texture makes it perfect for warm, eye-catching designs.

Why Choose African Mahogany

  • Bold, Warm Look: Its rich reddish-brown color and ribbon-like grain add a striking, classic touch to furniture and cabinetry in Houston homes.
  • Good Durability: With a Janka hardness of 1,070 lbf, this hardwood is strong enough for furniture and decorative millwork projects.
  • Smooth Finishing: Takes stains and clear finishes well, highlighting its vibrant grain for a polished, glossy appearance.
  • Stable When Prepared: When properly dried and acclimated, African Mahogany resists warping, making it reliable for custom joinery and veneers.
  • Great Value: While priced higher than some hardwoods, its bold aesthetic and workability make it a solid choice for high-quality projects.

Why You Might Not Choose African Mahogany

  • Challenging Grain: The interlocked grain can cause tearout during machining, requiring sharp tools and careful technique for smooth results.
  • Moderate Cost: Its distinctive qualities make this wood more expensive than common hardwoods, which may not fit smaller budgets.
  • Best for Indoors: Houston’s humid climate and strong sunlight make African Mahogany less practical for outdoor use without heavy protective coatings.

African Mahogany in the Houston Climate

Acclimation for Best Results

This hardwood performs well in Houston’s humid climate when acclimated to indoor conditions before use. This prevents movement from the area’s high humidity (70–90%) and temperature changes, ensuring it lasts in furniture and decorative projects.

Ideal for Indoor Projects

With Houston’s frequent rain and intense sunlight, African Mahogany is best used indoors. Outdoor projects need strong sealing to avoid moisture damage, making it less suitable for exterior use in the Gulf Coast region.

Color and Grain Changes

The reddish-brown tones and ribbon-like grain of this wood deepen naturally over time in sunlit Houston homes, enhancing its warm look. UV-resistant finishes can help control color changes, ideal for spaces with large windows or bright natural light.

Popular African Mahogany Applications in Houston

African Mahogany’s vibrant grain and warm color make it a top choice for Houston’s designers, craftsmen, and homeowners seeking bold, high-quality materials. Its dramatic look adds a rich, inviting feel to custom projects in homes and businesses across the city and suburbs.

Popular Applications Include:

  • Custom Furniture: Striking pieces like dining tables, bookshelves, and consoles in areas like Katy, Sugar Land, and Bellaire
  • Cabinetry: Kitchen cabinets, office built-ins, and bathroom vanities for warm, elegant interiors in Montrose and Spring
  • Decorative Veneers: Thin panels for furniture surfaces, wall accents, and cabinet doors in upscale settings
  • Boatbuilding: Interior trim, decking, and structural components for boats, popular in Houston’s coastal communities like Galveston, Kemah, and Friendswood
  • Specialty Woodworking: Custom carvings, picture frames, and decorative boxes for unique projects
  • Architectural Details: Decorative trim and low-traffic stair parts with strong finishes for home settings in Baytown

Current Design Trends Featuring African Mahogany:

  • Eye-Catching Furniture: African Mahogany is used for bold dining sets and living room furniture, popular in modern home renovations in Katy and Sugar Land.
  • Richly Finished Cabinetry: Its warm tones shine in polished kitchen cabinets and built-ins for cozy, upscale spaces in Montrose.
  • Coastal-Inspired Designs: Designers use this hardwood for boat interiors and nautical-themed furniture, especially in coastal areas like Galveston, Kemah, and Friendswood, reflecting Houston’s Gulf Coast vibe.
  • Handcrafted Wood Accents: Its vibrant grain is favored for carved panels and decorative frames in luxury homes in Bellaire.
  • Modern Warm Interiors: African Mahogany pairs with stone or metal for a blend of modern and cozy aesthetics in commercial spaces in Spring.

Looking for African Mahogany for Your Next Project?

We stock this hardwood in 4/4, 5/4, 6/4, 8/4, and 12/4 thicknesses and can custom mill to your exact needs. Whether you’re building striking furniture, crafting warm cabinetry, or creating a boat interior, our team is here to help you pick the right material.

Visit Houston Hardwoods or contact us to check availability, request a quote, or talk about your project plans.