Wood Species Guide

Sapele

Entandrophragma cylindricum

Also called: Sapelli, Sapele mahogany, Aboudikro, Penkwa

Sapele is an African hardwood with a mahogany-like reddish brown color and a shimmering ribbon figure on quartersawn faces. It's a little harder than mahogany and easier on the budget.
ImportHardwoodMahoganies
Good forTabletops & SlabsRiver TablesGuitars & Tonewoods

What Sapele looks like

Medium to dark reddish brown, a bit redder and more even than true mahogany. The color deepens with age. Quartersawn boards show light and dark ribbon stripes that shimmer as you move.

Grain and texture

Interlocked grain is normal, which gives the ribbon stripe on quartersawn faces. The texture is fine and the luster is high. Some boards show pommele or quilted figure.

Working Sapele: planing, cutting and gluing

The interlocked grain tears out on the planer and jointer, so use a low cutting angle, shallow passes or a drum sander. It cuts and routs cleanly with sharp tools and glues well. It's a bit harder than mahogany, so it holds edges nicely.

Finishing Sapele: oil, film finishes and epoxy

Takes stain and finish very well. Fill the grain for a glassy finish. It works under epoxy after a seal coat. Oil finishes make the ribbon figure pop.

Durability, stability and Florida humidity

Moderately durable against rot, with some insect resistance. Movement is moderate, and quartersawn stock is the most stable. In Florida, it's a solid choice for doors and trim if it's finished on every face.

Shop notes from our Fort Myers shop

We carry sapele lumber. It's our usual suggestion when someone wants the mahogany look at a friendlier price. Buy quartersawn if you love the ribbon stripe, and plan for slow final passes. It's great for cabinets, entry doors, trim and tabletops.

Common uses for Sapele

Furniture and cabinetry, doors and millwork, veneer, flooring, musical instruments and boat interiors.

Sustainability and CITES status

Not listed in the CITES Appendices. Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List, and the Entandrophragma genus has been flagged for future CITES discussion. Look for certified or well-documented stock.

Safety and toxicity

Our toxicity rating ModerateWhat the ratings mean
  • Skin irritation
  • Respiratory / asthma

Sapele dust can cause sneezing, coughing and skin irritation in some people. Strong allergic reactions are uncommon.

In the shop
Dust collection + dust mask when sanding; gloves for sensitive skin
Food contact
Use with care for cutting boards, bowls and utensils

General information, not medical advice. See a doctor if you have a reaction.

Sapele has been reported to irritate skin and airways, though severe reactions are uncommon. Use a dust mask and dust collection.

Wood toxicity and dust safety guide: every species compared

Sapele in stock now

Hardwood lumber in stock (1)

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Similar woods: Mahoganies

See the Mahoganies group guide

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