Sapele
Entandrophragma cylindricum • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, often creating a narrow, uniform ribbon stripe figure when quarter-sawn. The texture is fine to medium and uniform with a natural luster.
Color Description
Heartwood is a golden to dark reddish brown. Color tends to darken with age. Sapwood is a pale yellow to white. Exhibits a distinct chatoyance (shimmer) when finished.
Hardness Rating
1,410 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Moderately Durable to Durable; heartwood is resistant to rot and termites, though it is susceptible to marine borers.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boat building, musical instruments (especially guitar backs and sides), veneer, and exterior joinery.
Geographic Origin
Native to tropical Africa (West and Central Africa).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 to $10.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern stock (less than 10 years). The light oxidation and clean surfacing suggest contemporary processing rather than reclaimed timber.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations). Not currently CITES listed, but monitoring is suggested.
Workability
Generally easy to work with hand and machine tools, though the interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing or surfacing. It glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive cedar-like scent when being worked. Known for its 'ribbon' figure and high density compared to African Mahogany.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well. Oil-based finishes enhance the reddish tones and chatoyance. Filling the pores may be necessary for a high-gloss glass-like finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the reddish-brown color, characteristic pore structure, and subtle ribbon-like interlocked grain are diagnostic of Sapele.