Sapele
Entandrophragma cylindricum • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Primarily interlocked, producing a distinctive ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn. Also features a fine, uniform texture with consistent pores.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden to dark reddish-brown. It shows a noticeable luster and chatoyance; color tends to darken significantly with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,410 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; generally resistant to rot and termites, though susceptible to marine borers.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, musical instruments (especially guitar backs and sides), veneer, and exterior trim.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and Central Africa)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber; appears freshly surfaced or recently milled with minimal oxidation or wear.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (declined over 20% in the last three generations); not currently CITES listed, but widely available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work, 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. Known for its 'ribbon stripe' visual effect and high density compared to African Mahogany.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well; oil-based finishes beautifully highlight the grain's chatoyance. Pore filling is recommended for a glass-smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the tight, interlocked grain and visible pore structure is characteristic of the Entandrophragma genus, specifically Sapele.