Mahogany (specifically Sapele or African Mahogany)
Entandrophragma cylindricum • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, quarter-sawn appearance showing a fine ribbon-stripe figure with a coarse, fibrous texture
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden to dark reddish-brown; sapwood is pale yellow. It darkens significantly with age and light exposure, displaying medium luster and chatoyance
Hardness Rating
1,410 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; good resistance to decay and termites, though susceptible to marine borers
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, high-end joinery, flooring, boat building, musical instruments (guitars), and decorative veneers
Geographic Origin
West and Central Africa
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 to $12.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber; the clean edges and lack of oxidation suggests it was recently milled (less than 5 years old)
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List); available with FSC certification; not currently CITES listed but monitored due to overexploitation
Workability
Generally easy to work with machines, but the interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing or surfacing; glues and finishes well
Notable Features
Distinctive cedar-like scent when being worked; contains high levels of natural oils; dust can be a mild skin and respiratory irritant
Finish Recommendations
Responsive to clear coats like polyurethane and lacquer to highlight ribbon grain; oil finishes provide a deep, rich natural look
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the reddish-brown hue, coarse open pores, and tight interlocked ribbon-stripe grain is characteristic of Meliaceae family hardwoods like Sapele