Sapele Lumber

Shop beautiful Sapele Lumber. Perfect for furniture and woodworking. Get a quote now.

Sapele is a fantastic choice if you're looking for a lumber with the beauty and workability of Genuine Mahogany but at a more budget-friendly price. It's from the same botanical family as American and African Mahogany, so it shares many of the same characteristics – a rich golden to dark reddish-brown colour, attractive grain patterns, and excellent durability. Sapele is known for its distinctive interlocking grain, which adds visual interest to any project. Like Mahogany, Sapele's colour will darken over time unless treated with a finishing oil.  

All our Sapele lumber is kiln-dried and ready for your next woodworking project. Craftsmen Hardwoods also offers Quarter Cut Sapele Lumber.  

Not all item combinations are in stock. Please contact us for specific item requests. 

Additional Details 

Sapele derives its name from a Nigerian port city that became a prominent timber trading center in the 19th century. Sapele is sometimes referred to as "Sapele Mahogany," but it is not a true mahogany species. It belongs to the same family (Meliaceae) but a different genus (Entandrophragma). 

The interlocked grain of Sapele lumber produces a variety of figures, enhancing its visual appeal. Quartersawn Sapele often exhibits a ribbon or stripe figure. Other figures, such as pommele, quilted, and mottled, may also be present. 

Sapele is listed as 'Vulnerable' on the IUCN Red List due to overharvesting. Craftsmen Hardwoods sources Sapele lumber from sustainably managed forests. 

Common Uses 

• Veneer: Sapele has a rich, reddish-brown hue similar to mahogany, with a natural luster that is perfect for veneer. It makes a stunning accent to tabletops, cabinet doors, and drawer fronts. 
• Furniture: Sapele's beautiful figure and rich colour make it highly sought-after for high-end furniture, including tables, chairs, desks, and bedroom sets. It is a popular substitution for true Mahogany in furniture. 
• Cabinetry: Its durability and attractive grain make it a popular choice for kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities. When treated with finishing oil, Sapele cabinetry will retain a lighter colour.    
• Musical Instruments: Sapele is a favoured wood for guitar backs, sides, and necks due to its tonal qualities, which are often described as warm and resonant. It is also used for drums and other instruments.    
• Boatbuilding: Sapele's resistance to rot and decay makes it suitable for boatbuilding, particularly for interior joinery and decking in boats and yachts.   

Technical Details 

• Common name(s): Sapele, Aboudikro, Sapelli, Sapele Mahogany (though not a true Mahogany) 
• Botanical name: Entandrophragma cylindricum 
• Country of origin: Primarily tropical West Africa 
• Grade: Typically select and better grade (5.5” wide and wider, minimal knots, and minimal sapwood on the face) 
• Average dried weight: 3.47 lbs per board foot (665 kg/m3) 
• Janka hardness: 1,360 lbf (6,060 N) 
• Physical properties: Heartwood is a reddish-brown color, often with a ribbon or stripe figure. The grain is interlocked, sometimes wavy. It has a fine, uniform texture with a good natural luster. Sapele is moderately durable to very durable with moderate insect resistance. When machined, sapele lumber has a distinct, cedar-like scent. 
• Working properties: Sapele lumber can be difficult to work due to its interlocked grain, resulting in tear-out. However, it machines well with sharp tools and glues, stains and finishes well. Sapele also holds screws and nails well.  

How to Order 

Ordering from Craftsmen Hardwoods is simple and convenient. Start by filling out our online form or calling us directly to receive a quote. 

Pick-Up and Delivery Options 

• Local Pick-Up: After placing your order, we invite you to visit our showroom in Drayton, Ontario. While your order is being prepared, enjoy a tour of our wide variety of woodworking products and relax with a warm beverage. Your order will be ready for pick-up at your convenience. 
• Delivery Service: For customers within a 2-hour drive, we offer a delivery service that ensures your order arrives on time and in perfect condition.

Every order is packaged to protect your materials during transit. Plywood comes with cover sheets, and lumber and sheet goods are secured with cardboard corners to prevent damage from metal banding.