Wood species

Sapele

Entandrophragma cylindricum · Meliaceae

An economically important African hardwood in the mahogany family, bought for the ribbon stripe on quartersawn faces and often sold as a mahogany substitute. IUCN Vulnerable; say so when asked.

Density: 42.0 lb/ft³
Shrinkage T / R: 7.2 / 5.2 %
Origin: Tropical West and Central Africa
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable

Shop Sapele in stock (3)All live edge slabs

Pictured: (Pre-Built) Sapele Classic Cut Tabletop #PB120 120" x 39" x 2.0"

About Sapele

Sapele heartwood runs golden to dark reddish brown and darkens with age, and on quartersawn faces the interlocked grain shows the ribbon stripe the wood is known for, with pommele, quilted or fiddleback figure turning up now and then. That same interlocked grain wants sharp knives and a light cut when planing or it tears out, so we sand or scrape the final surface instead. It glues and finishes well, and an oil or hardwax finish deepens the red. It suits dining tables, desks, conference tops and cabinet doors, and it is often sold as a mahogany substitute since it sits in the same family. Ours is kiln dried in Zebulon, NC.

Working & finishing

Interlocked grain tears out in planing and routing, so take a light final pass with sharp knives or finish the surface on the sander instead. Slight blunting effect on cutters. Stains dark on contact with wet iron; use coated or stainless fasteners. Turns, glues and finishes well; oil or hardwax deepens the red and brings up the ribbon stripe. Reported skin and respiratory irritant, so collect dust.

Care

Moderately to very durable heartwood, but a live edge slab with sapwood and epoxy fills is an indoor or covered piece. Expect the color to darken with age and light. Low T/R ratio means modest seasonal movement; wipe spills and refresh an oil finish yearly.

In stock now