Sapele

Entandrophragma cylindricum

Janka hardness

1360 lbf

Specific gravity

0.62

Workability

Moderate — interlocked grain tears out, reacts with iron; turns/glues/finishes well

See Sapele with a finish on itPreview oils, poly, shellac and more on this species in the Finish Simulator — plus the sanding plan each one needs.

A board of Sapele -- reddish-brown to mahogany-brown, with the subtle ribbon-stripe figure its interlocked grain produces.

Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum) is a West/Central African hardwood that gets marketed as mahogany constantly, despite sitting in a different genus from both genuine mahogany (Swietenia) and African mahogany (Khaya). Its heartwood runs from golden to dark reddish brown and only gets deeper with age.

Working Properties

Interlocked grain will tear out on you while planing or routing if you get lazy — light passes and sharp tools are the whole trick. Beyond that, sapele turns, glues, and finishes well, reacts with iron (dark staining, so mind your fasteners), and leaves a distinct cedar-like scent hanging in the shop while you machine it. Quartersawn boards frequently show off striking ribbon, pommele, or fiddleback figure.

Typical Uses

Furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, flooring, and musical instruments; figured and veneer-grade material commands a significant premium over standard lumber.

Images

Raw Wood: A board of Sapele -- reddish-brown to mahogany-brown, with the subtle ribbon-stripe figure its interlocked grain produces.