Sapele (or Sapeli)
Entandrophragma cylindricum • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain producing a characteristic ribbon stripe pattern when quarter-sawn. Also known for wavy or fiddleback figures. Coarse to medium texture.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden to dark reddish brown. Color tends to darken with age. It exhibits a noticeable chatoyance (luster) that creates a 'shimmer' effect when moved under light.
Hardness Rating
1,410 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood is resistant to rot and termites, though susceptible to powder post beetles.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, musical instruments (guitars), veneer, and window frames.
Geographic Origin
Native to Tropical Africa (West and Central Africa).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $12.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern era; likely less than 5-10 years old based on the fresh appearance, lack of deep oxidation, and modern saw marks.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (due to population reduction); Not CITES listed. FSC-certified lumber is often available.
Workability
Can be troublesome to machine due to interlocked grain causing tearout during planing. It glues and finishes well. It has a slight blunting effect on cutters.
Notable Features
Distinctive cedar-like scent when being worked. Known for high silica content and can cause skin/respiratory irritation in some individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Tung oil or Danish oil to enhance the ribbon figure. Clear film finishes like polyurethane or lacquer also work well to highlight chatoyance.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown hue combined with the distinct ribbon-like interlocked grain and coarse texture is highly characteristic of African Meliaceae species like Sapele.