Douka (khaya ivorenses)
Douka (Khaya ivorensis) is one of the finest and most commercially important species of African Mahogany. Valued for its rich, reddish-brown hue, consistent texture, and excellent workability, Douka is a preferred alternative to the now-scarce American mahoganies (Swietenia spp.). It is widely used in high-end furniture, interior joinery, boatbuilding, and decorative veneers, offering both elegance and performance.
DOUKA (Khaya ivorensis – African Mahogany)
Common Names: Douka, African Mahogany, Acajou d’Afrique, Ivorian Mahogany
Origin: West and Central Africa — notably Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Gabon
Description:
Douka (Khaya ivorensis) is one of the finest and most commercially important species of African Mahogany. Valued for its rich, reddish-brown hue, consistent texture, and excellent workability, Douka is a preferred alternative to the now-scarce American mahoganies (Swietenia spp.). It is widely used in high-end furniture, interior joinery, boatbuilding, and decorative veneers, offering both elegance and performance.
With a naturally interlocked grain and a warm aesthetic, Douka delivers beauty, versatility, and moderate durability for a wide range of applications — from architectural interiors to precision woodworking.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Khaya ivorensis |
| Family | Meliaceae |
| Density (Dry) | 580–720 kg/m³ |
| Janka Hardness | 860 lbf (3,830 N) |
| Bending Strength (MOR) | 100 MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) | 10,000 MPa |
| Crushing Strength | 52 MPa |
| Shrinkage (Radial/Tangential) | 3.0% / 5.0% |
| Durability Class | Class 3 – Moderately durable |
| Natural Resistance | Good against termites and decay (moderate outdoors) |
| Workability | Excellent – easy to machine, glue, and finish |
| Finishing | Very good – polishes well and accepts stains/oils beautifully |
Color & Appearance
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Heartwood: Pale pinkish-brown to deep reddish-brown, darkens with age
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Sapwood: Yellowish-white, distinctly paler and easy to differentiate
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Grain: Interlocked, producing attractive ribbon figures on quarter-sawn surfaces
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Texture: Medium, with uniform pore structure and medium luster
Common Applications
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High-end furniture and cabinetry
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Interior joinery (panels, doors, stairs)
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Decorative veneers and luxury millwork
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Light to medium boatbuilding (interiors and trim)
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Musical instruments and fine woodworking
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Architectural finishing and moldings
Sustainability & Certification
At Timber Experts Global Holdings, our Douka is responsibly sourced in compliance with international forest governance standards. FSC® and PEFC™ certification are available upon request. As a more sustainable choice compared to Swietenia mahogany, Khaya ivorensis offers similar aesthetic appeal with better environmental credentials.
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