Sapele
Entandrophragma cylindricum · Exotic/Tropical
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical
- Origin
- Tropical Africa
- Hardness
- 1510 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Moderately Durable to Durable, with good resistance to rot but susceptible to some insect attacks.
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain, often showing a distinct ribbon stripe or roe figure when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Golden brown to reddish-brown, darkening slightly with age. Possesses a natural golden luster and high chatoyancy.
Hardness (Janka)
1510 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable to Durable, with good resistance to rot but susceptible to some insect attacks.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 8.00 to 14.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent to modern harvested lumber (estimated 1-10 years old)
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on the IUCN Red List as vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% over the past three generations. Not CITES listed.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, flooring, interior millwork, boat building, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Tropical Africa
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though the interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, oils, and varnishes very well. Sanding up to fine grits enhances the natural chatoyancy and ribbon figure.
Notable Features
Distinct cedar-like scent when freshly cut, excellent dimensional stability, and prominent ribbon-like figure.
