Family: Meliaceae Family. Latin name for Sapele is Entandrophragma Cylindricum.
Origin: Western, Central, and Eastern Africa ranging from the Ivory Coast to the Cameroons and eastward through Zaire to Uganda.
Common Names: Sapele, Sapelli, Sapeli, Sapele Mahogany.
The Tree: The Sapele tree in its natural habitat can reach heights ranging from 100 to 150 feet tall with some trees reaching 200 feet tall. The diameters of the Sapele tree range from 4 to 6 feet. Since the Sapele tree is so large, it produces tremendous volumes of clear lumber and veneer. As the tree grows, the grain spirals up the tree like candy cane stripes. The direction of rotation reverses from year to year creating interlocking grain.
Appearance of Wood: Sapele is almost entirely heartwood. The color of the heartwood can range from a light golden brown to a darker reddish-brown color with a purplish cast. The grain texture of Sapele is fine, like Mahogany. Interlocked grain on a quarter-sawn figure piece of Sapele carries a unique ribbon-like appearance. Sapele possesses a beautiful natural luster and is known for a wide variety of grain pattern such as pommele, quilted, mottled, wavy, beeswing, and fiddleback.
Density: Sapele has a high density that is like Red Oak but is heavier than Mahogany. Average reported specific gravity ranges from .50 to .67 with an average dried weight of 42 pounds per cubic foot. Janka Hardness is 1,410 pounds of force.
Drying and Shrinkage: Sapele dries rapidly. Due to the presence of interlocking grain, it has a strong tendency to warp. Overall shrinkage in Sapele is not excessive. Average reported shrinkage values are 4.8% Radial, 7.2% Tangential, 12.8% Volumetric.
Working Properties: Sapele can be difficult to work with hand or power tools. The interlocked grains can cause tear-outs and have a blunting effect on cutting tools. Sapele does react when it comes in direct contact with iron. This results in the wood becoming discolored and stained. Overall, Sapele turns, glues, and finishes well.
Durability: Sapele is considered moderate to very durable to decay but tends to be susceptible to insect attack.
Uses: Sapele can be used to create small specialty wood items like turned objects and musical instruments. The wood can also be used for veneer, plywood, furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding and as a utility wood. Sapele is quite popular with instrument makers and a popular choice for decorative veneers.
Availability: The availability of Sapele is particularly vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% during the past generations. This vulnerability is due to a decline in its natural range and exploitation. Sapele is not listed in the CITES Appendices but is on the IUCN Red List.