sapele

Sapele, commonly marketed as sapele mahogany, refers to the timber from Entandophragma utile and related species in the Meliaceae family. It is native to tropical West and Central Africa, with major sources in Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and the Congo Basin.

The wood has reddish-brown heartwood with pale sapwood. The grain is usually straight but can be interlocked, and quartersawn stock may display a pronounced figure or chatoyance. It bears a mahogany-like appearance, which is why it is often sold as “sapele mahogany” in the timber trade.

Sapele is considered relatively easy to work with using hand or machine tools. It machines cleanly and finishes well, taking stains and varnishes to a smooth, attractive surface. Glue adhesion is good, though the interlocked grain can cause tear-out in some cuts. Kiln-drying should be controlled to minimize warping or checking.

Common uses for sapele include high-quality furniture, cabinetry, veneers, and plywood cores. It is also used in interior joinery and, in some cases, as a tonewood component for musical instruments and guitar backs and sides, where its even density and reaching midrange response are valued.

In trade, sapele is widely sold under the name sapele mahogany or African mahogany, a reflection of its resemblance to true mahogany species. As with other tropical timbers, sustainability varies by source; certified, responsibly harvested stocks are available from suppliers with forest-management programs. Sapele is not a true mahogany, but it remains a popular alternative in woodworking and cabinetry.