Sapele

Sapele is a hardwood timber from West Africa, primarily found in Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Republic of the Congo. It is known scientifically as Entandrophragma cylindricum.

Description: Sapele is a member of the mahogany family (Meliaceae) and shares many characteristics with genuine mahogany, including its reddish-brown color, interlocking grain, and durable nature. However, sapele is generally harder and denser than mahogany. The grain is often interlocked, producing a ribbon-like figure on quarter-sawn surfaces. It has a medium texture and a natural luster.

Uses: Sapele is a versatile wood used in a wide range of applications. Common uses include:

• Furniture: Sapele is frequently used in the manufacture of high-quality furniture, both as a solid wood and as veneer.
• Cabinetry: Its attractive appearance and stability make it a popular choice for kitchen cabinets, built-in shelves, and other cabinetry projects.
• Flooring: Sapele is durable enough to be used for flooring, adding a touch of elegance to interiors.
• Boatbuilding: Its resistance to rot and decay makes it suitable for boatbuilding, especially for interior trim and joinery.
• Musical Instruments: Sapele is used in the construction of guitars (particularly the back and sides), ukuleles, and other musical instruments, valued for its tonal properties and aesthetic appeal.
• Veneer: Sapele veneer is used to cover less expensive substrates, providing the appearance of solid sapele at a lower cost.
• Joinery: Sapele is suitable for a variety of joinery applications, including doors, window frames, and moldings.

Sustainability: Sapele has been subject to concerns regarding unsustainable logging practices. It is important to source sapele from sustainably managed forests that are certified by organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). Responsible sourcing helps ensure the long-term availability of this valuable resource.

Working Properties: Sapele is generally considered to be moderately easy to work with, although its interlocked grain can cause some tearout during machining, especially when planing. It glues well and takes finishes readily. Pre-drilling is recommended when screwing or nailing sapele to prevent splitting.

Alternative Names: Sapele is sometimes referred to as sapeli, sapele mahogany, or aboudikro.