Sapele
Entandrophragma cylindricum • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain which commonly produces a distinctive ribbon-stripe figure on quarter-sawn surfaces; fine uniform texture with a medium luster.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden to dark reddish-brown. Sapwood is a pale yellow or whitish. Color tends to darken significantly with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,410 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood shows good resistance to rot and decay, though it is susceptible to some insect attacks.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, musical instruments (especially guitars), veneer, and plywood.
Geographic Origin
Native to tropical Africa (West and Central Africa).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 – $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and region.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly surfaced lumber; the lack of deep oxidation or graying suggests it is a relatively new cut or has been recently planed.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (reduced population due to over-exploitation). Not currently CITES listed, but often available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing or surfacing. Glues and finishes well. Reacts with iron, which can cause staining.
Notable Features
Features a distinct, cedar-like scent when being worked. Known for its 'ribbon' chatoyance and acoustic similarities to Mahogany.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. A clear oil or polyurethane will enhance the natural golden-red tones and chatoyance without requiring stains.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the tight, interlocked grain pattern and cathedral figure on the flat-sawn face is characteristic of Sapele.