Quilted Sapele (alternative: Quilted Bigleaf Maple or Pommele Mahogany)
Entandrophragma cylindricum · Hardwood / Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Hardwood / Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Tropical West and Central Africa
- Hardness
- 1,410 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable; fair resistance to insect attack and decay, though high-figure pieces are primarily reserved for interior fine woodworking.
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Grain Pattern
Highly figurative quilted/blistered pattern (also referred to as pommele or quilted figure) with wavy, interlocked grain creating a 3D textured visual effect.
Color & Appearance
Golden-brown to medium reddish-cinnamon heartwood with high natural luster and dramatic 3D chatoyance that shifts as light angle changes. Darkens slightly with exposure to UV light over time.
Hardness (Janka)
1,410 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable; fair resistance to insect attack and decay, though high-figure pieces are primarily reserved for interior fine woodworking.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $25.00 - $45.00 per board foot (or $20 - $40 per pair of book-matched highly figured knife scale blanks).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern cut dimensioned stock / knife handle scales (recently processed and surfaced, smooth unaged condition).
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on the IUCN Red List as Vulnerable due to population reduction; not CITES listed. FSC-certified sustainable options are available.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, custom knife handles/scales, guitar tops and musical instruments, decorative veneers, luxury millwork, and turned artistic objects.
Geographic Origin
Tropical West and Central Africa
Workability
Fairly difficult to plane by hand due to interlocked grain and dense quilted figure, which causes severe tearout if cut against grain; machines well with sharp carbide cutters or drum sanders.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil finishes (such as Danish oil or Tung oil) followed by clear lacquer, polyurethane, or CA glue coating to maximize the dramatic 3D depth and chatoyance of the figure.
Notable Features
Distinctive cedar-like or sweet spice scent when cut; high level of chatoyance (optical depth); dust can act as a mild respiratory allergen.
