Sapele
Entandrophragma cylindricum
Hardness
Hard and durable; stands up to wear and traffic.
Overview
A widely available mahogany substitute with a reddish-brown color and, on quartersawn stock, a striking ribbon figure.
Commonly built
- Guitar bodies
- Veneered panels
- Fine furniture
- Doors
Appearance
Reddish-brown, darkening with age; interlocked grain produces a ribbon-stripe figure when quartersawn.
Recommended uses
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Interlocked grain can cause tearout on the planer, take light passes or plane in alternating directions. Glues and finishes well.
Wood movement
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn sapele panel moves roughly 0.40 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content). Use the wood movement calculator to run your own board size and moisture range.
How much does Sapele move? → See flatsawn vs. quartersawn figures and a worked example.
Common questions
How hard is Sapele?
Sapele has a Janka hardness of 1410 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is Sapele suitable for outdoor use?
Sapele is best used indoors; it is not naturally suited to sustained outdoor or wet conditions.
How easy is Sapele to work with?
Sapele has Good workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
How much does Sapele move seasonally?
A 24-inch-wide flatsawn sapele panel moves roughly 0.40 inch across a typical seasonal humidity swing (about 6% to 12% moisture content).
Finishing notes
Takes stain and clear finishes well and its ribbon-stripe figure (from interlocked grain) glows under a film finish. Fill the moderately open grain for a smooth surface. Sand carefully, interlocked grain can tear and the scratches show under finish. Rich reddish-brown deepens with age.
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used sapele, reviewed before they appear here.
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Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.