Few wood names carry as much weight as “mahogany”. It suggests quality, warmth and tradition. But the word is used for several different timbers, and the african mahogany vs genuine mahogany question confuses buyers every day. Is African mahogany real mahogany? Is genuine mahogany still available? Which one should you buy for furniture, boats or guitars?
In this guide we clear up the names, compare the two woods honestly and explain how CITES affects both. We supply African mahogany (Khaya) from Central Africa at Global Timber Trade Hub.
In short
- Genuine mahogany is Swietenia; African mahogany is Khaya. Both are in the mahogany family.
- They look and work very similarly; most people cannot tell them apart once finished.
- Genuine mahogany is a little more stable; African mahogany is often a little harder.
- Both are CITES Appendix II listed: genuine mahogany since 2003, African Khaya since 2023.
- African mahogany is far easier to source in volume today.
- Our African mahogany starts from about $950 per m³, FOB Central Africa.
Clearing up the names
Three groups of timber are commonly called mahogany:
- Genuine mahogany: Swietenia macrophylla (big-leaf or Honduran mahogany) and the rarer Swietenia mahagoni (Cuban mahogany), native to Central and South America and the Caribbean.
- African mahogany: several Khaya species, such as K. ivorensis, K. anthotheca and K. grandifoliola, from West and Central Africa.
- Other “mahoganies”: a range of woods sold under mahogany names, such as sapele, sipo, Philippine mahogany (actually meranti) and others.
Genuine and African mahogany both belong to the Meliaceae family. That is why African mahogany is widely accepted as a true mahogany in the trade, even if purists reserve the word “genuine” for Swietenia.
African vs genuine mahogany at a glance
| Property | African mahogany (Khaya) | Genuine mahogany (Swietenia) |
|---|---|---|
| Density at 12% MC | about 500–560 kg/m³ | about 560–600 kg/m³ |
| Janka hardness | about 1,070 lbf | about 800–900 lbf |
| Stability | Good | Excellent |
| Natural durability | Moderately durable | Durable |
| Grain | Interlocked, mild stripe | Straight to interlocked, even |
| Colour | Pinkish to reddish-brown | Reddish-brown, deepening with age |
| CITES | Appendix II (since 2023) | Appendix II (since 2003) |
Values vary between species, sources and growth conditions, including plantation-grown wood.
Appearance
Both woods have the classic mahogany look: a warm pinkish-brown when fresh, maturing to a rich reddish-brown. Genuine mahogany is often slightly more even in colour and grain. African mahogany tends to show more interlocked grain, which gives a mild ribbon stripe on quartersawn faces. Under a finished surface, few people can tell them apart.
Stability
Genuine mahogany is famous for its stability. It barely moves once dry, which is why it was the classic choice for fine furniture, panelled rooms and pattern making. African mahogany is also stable, though its interlocked grain can make it a little more lively. For most furniture, doors and boat interiors, the difference is small when the wood is properly kiln dried.
Hardness
African mahogany is often a little harder than genuine mahogany, especially compared with plantation-grown Swietenia. Both are relatively soft for hardwoods, which is part of why they carve and machine so well.
Workability
- Genuine mahogany: one of the easiest hardwoods to work; carves, planes and finishes beautifully.
- African mahogany: also very good to work, but interlocked grain can cause tear-out; use sharp tools and light passes.
Both glue well and take stains, oils and lacquers evenly.
CITES: both now need permits
Genuine big-leaf mahogany was listed in CITES Appendix II in 2003. Cuban mahogany is also listed. Since 2023, African populations of Khaya are listed in Appendix II as well. That means both woods now need CITES export permits, and in many importing countries, including the EU, import permits too.
We arrange the CITES export permit for every African mahogany shipment and send you a copy before loading. Read our guide to CITES timber species.
Availability today
Wild genuine mahogany from Central and South America is scarce, tightly controlled and rarely available in container volumes. Some genuine mahogany now comes from plantations outside its native range, for example in Fiji, but supply is limited and quality varies.
African mahogany is available in regular container volumes from managed concessions in Central and West Africa, under CITES quotas. For most commercial buyers, it is the realistic choice.
Price
Our African mahogany starts from about $950 per m³ for standard sawn grade, FOB Central Africa. Genuine mahogany, when available legally, is usually priced at a significant premium. See our African hardwood prices guide.
Best uses for each
African mahogany
- furniture and cabinetry;
- doors and interior joinery;
- boat interiors and light marine joinery;
- guitar necks, bodies, backs and sides;
- carving and mouldings.
Genuine mahogany
- restoration of antique furniture;
- high-end furniture where the client asks for Swietenia by name;
- pattern making and fine carving;
- premium instruments where tradition matters.
Mahogany for guitars
Mahogany has been a core tonewood for guitar necks, bodies, backs and sides for over a century. Genuine mahogany is the historical reference, but African mahogany has been widely used by major builders for decades and offers a very similar warm, balanced tone. Read our guide to African tonewood for guitars.
Mahogany for boats
Both woods have a long history in boat building, for planking on classic small boats, interior joinery, trim and brightwork. Genuine mahogany is slightly more durable. African mahogany is widely used for interiors and varnished trim. For structural parts exposed to water, many builders now choose more durable species. See our guide to the best wood for boat building.
Non-listed alternatives
If CITES paperwork is a problem for your schedule, several non-listed mahogany-family woods can do a similar job:
- Sapele: harder, with a bold ribbon stripe. See sapele vs mahogany.
- Sipo: stable and calm-grained, ideal for windows.
- Kossipo: economical and good for interior work.
- Tiama: lighter and easy to work.
How to tell them apart
Identifying the two by eye is difficult, especially once finished. Genuine mahogany often shows white deposits in some pores and a straighter grain. African mahogany often shows more interlocked grain and a slightly coarser texture. The reliable way is documentation: the invoice and CITES permit should state the scientific name. If a seller cannot tell you whether wood is Khaya or Swietenia, be cautious.
Common mistakes
- Assuming “mahogany” means Swietenia: always ask for the scientific name.
- Forgetting CITES for Khaya: since 2023, African mahogany needs permits.
- Using air-dried stock for furniture: always order kiln-dried timber.
- Expecting identical figure: African mahogany often shows more stripe.
How to order African mahogany
- Tell us the use: furniture, doors, boats, guitars or joinery.
- Give thicknesses, widths and length range.
- State grade, usually FAS, and moisture content.
- Give volume, destination port and whether you need an import permit.
Our export process page explains each step.
Sustainability
Over-harvesting of genuine mahogany in the 20th century is the main reason it became scarce and CITES listed. African mahogany is now traded under CITES quotas and national management plans. Whichever you choose, insist on full permits and legality documents. Read more on our sustainability page.
Plantation mahogany: is it the answer?
Plantation-grown genuine mahogany from countries outside the Americas has made Swietenia available again in some markets. Plantation wood can be legally and sustainably produced, but it is often faster-grown, lighter and softer than old wild mahogany, with more variation in colour and density. It still falls under CITES rules, although the paperwork can differ for artificially propagated trees. For buyers who simply want the mahogany look and performance, African mahogany from managed forests is usually more consistent and easier to source in volume.
Finishing mahogany
Both woods are a pleasure to finish. For a classic deep, glowing finish, many makers apply a grain filler tinted reddish-brown, then build up shellac or lacquer. For a natural look, a hard-wax oil or Danish oil brings out the warmth without filling the pores. Mahogany darkens noticeably with light in the first months, so judge colour on aged samples. On boats, several coats of a marine varnish with UV protection keep mahogany brightwork glowing.
Lead times and planning for CITES mahogany
Because African mahogany now needs a CITES export permit, plan one to four weeks for the permit on top of the usual production time. Kiln-dried FAS stock usually takes 4–8 weeks to prepare before loading. In the EU, apply for your import permit as soon as you receive a copy of the export permit or a confirmed order. We start the paperwork when your order is confirmed so documents and timber are ready together. For production clients, regular shipments with permits planned in advance remove most of the waiting.
Quality checks before loading
Every African mahogany order is checked before it leaves our yard. We measure moisture on a sample of boards, check dimensions against your list, and inspect faces for splits, sapwood and pin holes. Each bundle is photographed and listed with its volume on the packing list. For CITES shipments, we also check that species names, volumes and product descriptions on the permit match the invoice exactly, because even a small mismatch can hold a container at customs.
Sources
Related guides
- Sapele vs mahogany
- Kossipo vs sapele
- CITES timber species
- African tonewood for guitars
- Furniture and joinery hardwoods
Frequently asked questions about african mahogany vs genuine mahogany
Is African mahogany real mahogany?
It belongs to the same botanical family and is widely accepted as a true mahogany in the trade, though it is a different genus from genuine Swietenia mahogany.
Which is better?
Genuine mahogany is slightly more stable and durable; African mahogany is often harder and far more available.
Do both need CITES permits?
Yes. Genuine mahogany has been CITES listed since 2003, and African Khaya since 2023.
Which is cheaper?
African mahogany is usually more affordable and easier to source.
Get a quote for African mahogany
Send your use, sizes and volume through our quote form. We will reply with a firm price, lead time and the CITES documents for your shipment.