Sapele
Entandrophragma cylindricum • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy, and ribbon-like grain; this sample shows a medium-to-coarse texture with characteristic quartersawn 'ribbon' potential in adjacent sections
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden to dark reddish-brown. Color darkens with age. Sapwood is distinctively pale yellow. Medium to high natural luster.
Hardness Rating
1,410 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack in certain conditions
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, musical instruments (especially guitar backs and sides), veneer, and trim work
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa (West and Central Africa)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern stock; surface shows fresh machine marks and minimal oxidation or patina associated with salvaged or antique timber
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List); not listed in CITES appendices but faces population reduction due to logging
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well. Reaction with iron can cause staining.
Notable Features
Distinctive cedar-like scent when being worked; known for its high chatoyance and frequent 'ribbon' figure
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Oil-based finishes enhance the deep reddish tones; grain filler is often recommended due to open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the tight, interlocked pore structure and visible interlocking grain lines are diagnostic of Sapele.