Sapele
Entandrophragma cylindricum · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Tropical Africa (West and Central Africa)
- Hardness
- 1,410 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable; good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack in certain conditions
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
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 & Appearance
Heartwood is a golden to dark reddish-brown. Color darkens with age. Sapwood is distinctively pale yellow. Medium to high natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,410 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable; good resistance to rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack in certain conditions
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
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)
Workability
Generally easy to work, though interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well. Reaction with iron can cause staining.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Oil-based finishes enhance the deep reddish tones; grain filler is often recommended due to open pores.
Notable Features
Distinctive cedar-like scent when being worked; known for its high chatoyance and frequent 'ribbon' figure
