Sapele
Entandrophragma cylindricum • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, quarter-sawn appearance showing characteristic ribbon stripes; fine to medium texture with a high natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden to dark reddish-brown. Darkens with age and exposure to light. Sapwood is a pale yellow to white and clearly demarcated.
Hardness Rating
1,410 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood has good resistance to rot and fungal decay, though susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, musical instruments (guitars), veneer, and exterior trim.
Geographic Origin
Native to Tropical Africa (Western and Central regions).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $7.50 to $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern stock (likely under 5 years since milling) based on consistent color and lack of deep oxidation or heavy patina.
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List); not typically CITES listed but often available with FSC certification from monitored logging.
Workability
Generally easy to work with machines, though interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing or surfacing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive cedar-like scent when being worked; high chatoyance in ribbon-grained sections; known for its acoustic properties similar to Mahogany.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or oils are recommended; a grain filler may be needed for a perfectly smooth glass-like surface due to open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown color combined with the distinct ribbon-stripe interlocking grain and pore structure is highly characteristic of Sapele.