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Sapele
Sapele is an exotic wood from West, Central, and Eastern Africa. Some consider it as a utility substitute for mahogany due to the fact that it belongs to the same Meliaceae family. It can be a difficult wood to work with, but finishes well. Popular with instrument makers and as a decorative veneer.
Length: Not specified
Thickness: Hit and miss to 15/16 inches
- Common Name(s): Sapele
- Scientific Name: Entandrophragma cylindricum
- Distribution: Tropical Africa
- Tree Size: 100-150 ft (30-45 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 42 lbs/ft³ (670 kg/m³)
- Janka Hardness: 1,410 lbf (6,280 N)
- Crushing Strength: 7,760 lbf/in² (53.5 MPa)
Heartwood: Medium to dark reddish-brown, sometimes with a purplish hue.
Sapwood: Pale yellow, distinctly demarcated from heartwood.
Grain: Generally interlocked, which can produce a striped or ribbon figure.
Texture: Fine to medium texture with a good natural luster.
Rated as moderately durable to durable in terms of decay resistance, but susceptible to insect attack.
Sapele can be somewhat difficult to work with due to its interlocked grain, which can cause tearout during machining. It turns, glues, and finishes well, and can be polished to a high luster.
- Furniture
- Veneer
- Turned objects
- Musical instruments
- Cabinetry
- Specialty wood items
Sapele is prized for its beautiful grain and rich color, which make it a popular choice for high-end woodworking projects. It is often used as a substitute for mahogany due to its similar appearance and workability.
Note: Sapele is listed in CITES Appendix II, which means it is not necessarily threatened with extinction but may become so unless trade is closely controlled.