Compare woods
Put species head to head to decide between them.
SapeleMahogany
| Property | Sapele Entandrophragma cylindricum | Mahogany Swietenia macrophylla |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Hardwood | Hardwood |
| Cost | $$$ · Premium | $$$$ · Exotic |
| Hardness | 1410 lbf | 800 lbf |
| Workability | Good | Excellent |
| Seasonal movement | Medium | Small |
| Outdoor-friendly | No | No |
| Origin | Imported (Africa) | Imported (Central/South America) |
| Commonly built | Guitar bodies, Veneered panels, Fine furniture, Doors | Acoustic guitars, Boat trim & decking, Antique-style desks, Carved cabinets, Humidors |
| Overview | A widely available mahogany substitute with a reddish-brown color and, on quartersawn stock, a striking ribbon figure. | The legendary furniture wood, stable, easy to work, and beautiful. Increasingly costly and subject to sourcing/sustainability concerns. |