Sapele Wood Guide
Wood Guide

Sapele

Entandrophragma cylindricum

A reddish‑brown African hardwood with interlocked grain that shows ribbon stripe when quartered. A Mahogany alternative for cabinets and doors.

Shop Custom Projects
Updated

Overview

Quartered surfaces show chatoyant ribbon; flat‑sawn is more subdued.

Maker’s note: Interlocked grain tears—use high angle planing or a spiral cutterhead.

Appearance

Heartwood
Reddish Brown
Sapwood
Pale Cream
Grain Interlocked
Texture Medium
Luster High
Pore structure Diffuse-porous
Figure pattern Ribbon stripe
Odor Faint, spicy

Properties

Janka hardness
1510 lbf
Density
670 kg/m³
MOR
117 MPa
Crushing strength
52 MPa
Shrink (radial)
5.1%
Shrink (tangential)
7.8%
Shrink (volumetric)
12.9%
Movement
Moderate
Durability
Durable
Steam bending
Fair
Hardness band
Hard (1500–2000)

Values are typical; verify with your supplier.

Workability & Safety

Machining

Responds well to carbide; slow feed and skew cuts reduce tear‑out.

Hand tools

Use a high‑angle frog or scraper on ribbon figure.

Turning

Turns well; ribbon figure pops with oil and shellac.

Sanding schedule 120 → 150 → 180 → 220
Gluing Good
Finishing notes Oil/varnish blends or sprayed clears highlight ribbon; pore fill for mirror finishes.
Silica present
Blunting effect Medium
Food contact OK
Toxicity flags
Toxicity notes Some users report irritation; use dust control.

Sourcing & Sustainability

Choose FSC/verified legal sources; avoid questionable supply chains.

FSC available
IUCN status Vulnerable
CITES listing Not listed
Native range

Pricing —

Board-foot
$7–$12
Turning blanks
$10–$20
Cord
$–$
Price tier
Premium
Notes: Quartered, ribbon‑heavy boards cost more than flatsawn. • Updated:

Uses & Positioning

Avoid for Tight radii without veneer layups

A strong mahogany stand‑in with dramatic ribbon figure; plan for tear‑out control.

FAQ

No FAQs yet.

Our Handmade Wooden Products

Spaulted Silver Maple Bowl

$39

English Walnut bowl with natural finish

$58

Spaulted White Oak Burl Bowl

$89

Custom hand carved English Walnut Tea Light candle holders

$24

Live Oak Burl Bowl

$35

RARE Custom Manzanita Tea Light Holder.

$89
0

Subtotal