The heartwood of this exotic and imported hardwood is a reddish-brown wood. A remarkable feature of Sapele is that the grain is interlocked and changes direction in frequent, irregular intervals. The lumber has a cedar like aromatic odor when cut. Before WWI the principal demand for this wood came from Germany where it was used for decorative cabinet work. Interestingly enough, Sapele was found in the propeller-blades of German Zeppelins. Sapele is also one of Europe's most desired woods in manufacturing doors, windows and hardwood flooring. It has a wide variety of applications and is very popular as a decorative surface veneer for high-grade furniture such as book cases and cabinets. These boards enjoy a high golden luster. Sapele is stronger and more dense then African or American Mahogany and it’s also stronger than Red Oak.

ORIGIN:
A large African tree ranging from Sierra Leone to Angola and eastward through the Congo to Uganda and grows in Nigeria and along the African Ivory Coast.

HARDNESS:
Janka hardness is 1500, 16% harder than Red Oak (1210 Janka)

DURABILITY:
Heartwood is moderately durable, resistance to termite attack variable.

Common USES:
Used extensively, primarily as flooring, furniture, cabinetwork, veneer, decorative moldings, boat building, musical instruments, paneling, doors and windows, plywood and anything you would use Mahogany for. Sapele is in the Mahogany family

Average Dried Weight: 40 lb/ft.
Average Specific Gravity: .55