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Sapele

Entandrophragma cylindricum

Also known as: Sapele Mahogany, Aboudikro

Technical Spec Sheet

2026-07-14

Sapele wood grain

Reference grain swatch

Janka Hardness
1,410 lbf (6,272 N)
Avg. Dried Weight
640 kg/m³ (40 lb/ft³)
Specific Gravity
0.67
Type
Tropical hardwood
Grain
Interlocked, produces distinctive ribbon stripe when quarter-sawn
Texture
Fine to medium
Durability
Moderately durable, resistant to decay
Region
Africa
Sustainability
Restricted — Vulnerable in some regions; check FSC certification for sustainable sourcing

Overview

Sapele is a popular African hardwood often used as a mahogany substitute, prized for its reddish color and distinctive ribbon stripe figure when quarter-sawn. It is widely used in furniture, flooring, and musical instruments. The wood works well though interlocked grain requires care to avoid tearout.

The heartwood ranges from golden to dark reddish-brown with a distinctive ribbon stripe figure when quarter-sawn. It has a fine to medium texture with interlocked grain. Dried weight averages 640 kg/m³ with a Janka hardness of 1,410 lbf. Moderately stable with good dimensional stability.

Workshop Notes

Blunting Effect

Moderate to high

Gluing

Good gluing properties

Finishing

Excellent - takes stain and polish beautifully

Steam Bending

Moderate - interlocked grain can make bending difficult

Scent

Mild cedar-like scent; can cause allergic reactions

Assessment

Strengths

  • Beautiful figure
  • Mahogany substitute
  • Good stability
  • Takes finish well

Weaknesses

  • Interlocked grain can tear
  • Can cause allergic reactions
  • Variable availability

Common Uses

Furniture · Veneer · Flooring · Musical instruments · Cabinetry · Boatbuilding