Sapele (African Mahogany)
Entandrophragma cylindricum • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, creating a distinctive ribbon-like stripe pattern when quarter-sawn. The sample shows a fine, uniform texture with visible pores typical of Meliaceae family species.
Color Description
Medium to dark reddish-brown heartwood. Possesses high natural luster and significant chatoyance (light-reflecting properties). Color tends to darken and become more saturated with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,410 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood is resistant to rot and termites, though it lacks the extreme longevity of some teak or iroko species.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, musical instruments (mostly guitar backs and sides), veneer, and luxury interior trim.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and Central Africa)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 to $12.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut (less than 10 years), showing well-maintained finish and minimal oxidation typical of recently processed lumber.
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List); not currently CITES listed, but widely available as FSC certified from managed forests.
Workability
Generally works well, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes very well. Can have a slight blunting effect on cutters due to density.
Notable Features
Distinctive cedar-like scent when being worked; known for its high density and strength-to-weight ratio compared to true mahogany.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or shellac enhance the chatoyance; polyurethane or lacquer provide excellent protection while maintaining the deep reddish luster.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the reddish-brown hue, large diffuse pores, and characteristic ribbon grain/luster is diagnostic for Sapele.