Sapele
Also known as Sapelli, Aboudikro, Entandrophragma cylindricum.
Entandrophragma cylindricum (Meliaceae) · Tropical Africa
Sapele is the mahogany-family hardwood that has quietly become a favorite of fine cabinet and millwork shops. It is harder and denser than African Mahogany, with a deep reddish-brown color and — on quartered stock — a gorgeous, evenly spaced ribbon stripe that shimmers as you move past it.
That interlocked grain is the trade-off: it can tear on the planer, so it rewards sharp knives and light cuts. Once surfaced and finished it is spectacular, and it is stable and strong enough for flooring and doors as well as furniture. We bring Sapele in kiln-dried and mill it to order — ask about quartered stock if the ribbon figure is what you're after.
Appearance
Color. Golden to dark reddish-brown, deepening with age.
Grain. Interlocked, famous for a regular ribbon stripe on quartered surfaces.
Texture. Fine, even texture with good luster.
Photosensitive — the color deepens and ambers with UV exposure over time.
Working & finishing
Machines well but the interlocked grain tears on planing — a fine cut and sharp knives are the answer. Glues, stains, and finishes well; a little care and it looks like a million dollars.
Drying. Dries fairly quickly with a tendency to warp, so careful stacking matters.
Durability
Moderately durable, with fair resistance to decay and insects.
Common uses
Looking for Sapele?
We stock and mill a wide range of species and grades. Tell us your sizes and we'll confirm availability and pricing — usually within one business day.