Sapele Wood: Durability, Uses & Quote Pricing

Sapele or sapelli is the common name for the Entandrophragma cylindricum, which grows natively in Africa. It is widely used in lumber form, as well as wood material for high-end musical instruments, which makes the Sapele a commercially valuable export. It is sometimes substituted for Genuine Mahogany. The heartwood is colored golden to dark reddish brown. Furthermore, it's durable and provides a natural luster.

Uses

Close-up of polished Honduran Mahogany wood surface, showcasing rich natural brown color, straight and interlocked grain patterns, relevant to furniture and cabinetry uses.

Common uses are as veneer and plywood. It's also a furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and boat-building species. Further uses include: Musical instruments, turned objects, and even Cadillac interior trim.

Santos mahogany wood flooring with rich reddish-brown tones and a smooth finish, featuring a decorative black square tray with stacked wooden blocks.

Availability

The price is moderate for regular plainsawn or quartersawn lumber. Figured lumber and veneer can be highly expensive, particularly pommele or quilted Sapele.

Working with Sapele

Sapele wood pieces showcasing golden to dark reddish-brown heartwood, with a brass label reading "African Mahogany," alongside architectural plans and tools on a wooden surface.

Sapele is known to be moderately difficult to work with in some machining operations, particularly planning and routing processes. Due to its interlocked grain, machining could result in tearout. It is also advisable to avoid direct contact with iron, as this stains and discolors the wood. It's stable, and therefore turns, glues, and finishes well.

2026 Kansas City Wood Beam Prices: Solid vs Reclaimed

Also known as: Sapelli, Sapeli

Entandrophragma cylindricum

Source: The Wood Database

Natural Range Africa, especially in tropical regions.

Distribution Africa

Tree Size 100-150 ft (30-45 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter

Avg. Dried Weight 42 lbs/ft3 (670 kg/m3)

Specific Gravity (Basic, 12% MC): .50, .67

Janka Hardness 1,410 lbf (6,280 N)

Modulus of Rupture 15,930 lbf/in2 (109.9 MPa)

Elastic Modulus 1,746,000 lbf/in2 (12.04 GPa)

Crushing Strength 8,750 lbf/in2 (60.4 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 4.8% Tangential: 7.2% Volumetric: 12.8% T/R Ratio: 1.5

From: The Wood Database

3824 Fremont Ave.
Kansas City, MO 64129
816‒506‒4131

Monday to Friday: 8:00 – 3:00

Charles: 816 - 506 - 4131

Specialty Lumber Solutions represents the nation’s largest wholesalers of tropical hardwood products and domestic lumber mills. If you are looking for Ipe, Teak, Cumaru, Massaranduba or another species, we sell tropical hardwood rain screen siding and decking materials at the best prices.

For high end domestic species, we offer clear grade Western Red Cedar and Select Southern Cypress custom milled to your specifications. We also have your flooring needs covered by working with direct importers to offer a line of tropical hardwood flooring at the most competitive prices.

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Sapele Wood Properties and Characteristics

Sapele wood, scientifically known as Entandrophragma cylindricum, is a highly sought-after hardwood originating from the tropical regions of Africa. It is renowned for its impressive durability, stability, and attractive appearance, making it a preferred choice for a wide range of applications including furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and even boat building. Its natural resistance to decay and insects further enhances its value for construction projects.

The physical properties of Sapele wood include a dried weight of 42 lbs/ft³, a Janka hardness of 1,410 lbf, and a specific gravity of .50 (basic, 12% MC). Its shrinkage rates are moderate, with radial shrinkage at 4.8% and tangential shrinkage at 7.2%, resulting in a T/R ratio of 1.5. These characteristics contribute to its stability and workability, as it glues, turns, and finishes exceptionally well.

Applications of Sapele Wood

Sapele wood's combination of strength, beauty, and stability makes it incredibly versatile for various projects. Its rich, reddish-brown color and attractive grain patterns lend themselves well to high-end interior applications such as flooring and cabinetry, where it can create a luxurious and warm ambiance. The wood's durability also makes it an excellent choice for exterior uses like decking and siding, offering a long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing alternative to other materials.

Beyond its use in residential and commercial construction, Sapele is also favored in boat building due to its resistance to moisture and decay. Furthermore, its excellent working properties allow for intricate carving and detailed woodworking, making it a favorite among furniture makers and artisans seeking to create durable and visually stunning pieces. The wood's stability ensures that finished products maintain their form and integrity over time.

Where to Source Sapele Wood

Specialty Lumber Solutions is a leading provider of premium Sapele wood, offering a comprehensive selection for various project needs. As one of the nation's largest wholesalers of tropical hardwood products, they ensure access to high-quality Sapele lumber at competitive prices. Whether you are a contractor, builder, or a dedicated woodworker, Specialty Lumber Solutions can fulfill your requirements for this exceptional hardwood.

Located at 3824 Fremont Ave. Kansas City, MO 64129, Specialty Lumber Solutions operates Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM. You can reach them by phone at 816-506-4131, with Charles available at 816 - 506 - 4131. They specialize in providing tropical hardwoods like Sapele, as well as other exotic species such as Ipe, Teak, Cumaru, and Massaranduba, for decking and rain screen siding applications.

Sapele Wood Pricing and Quote Requests

Understanding the pricing for Sapele wood is crucial for budgeting your projects. Specialty Lumber Solutions offers competitive pricing on Sapele lumber, reflecting their position as a major wholesaler. To obtain accurate pricing and discuss your specific needs, the most effective approach is to request a quote directly from their team. This ensures you receive a tailored estimate based on the quantity, grade, and specific dimensions of Sapele you require.

To initiate a quote request, you can contact Specialty Lumber Solutions via phone or visit their Kansas City location during business hours. When requesting a quote, be prepared to provide details about your intended use for the Sapele wood, such as for decking, siding, furniture, or cabinetry. This information will help them recommend the most suitable grade and provide a precise cost estimate, including any relevant shipping or handling charges.