Scientific Name
Entandrophragma cylindricum
Other Names
Sapeli, Penkwa, Undianuno
Family
Meliaceae
Geography
A large African tree ranging from Sierra Leone to Angola and eastward through the Congo to Uganda.
Properties
The heartwood ranges in color from that of medium to a dark reddish or purplish-brown while the sapwood is whitish or pale yellow and distinct. Sapele has a fine texture and the interlocked grain produces a narrow and uniform stripe pattern on quartered surfaces. It has a cedar-like scent when cut. The heartwood is moderatly durable and is resistant to termite attack. The sapwood is liable to powder-post beetle attack.
Workability
Sapele is fairly easy to work with hand and machine tools and it saw and finishes easily. The interlocked grain sometimes offers some difficulties when planing or sawing. It has good nailing and gluing properties. It is more durable than true mahoganies and its strength is similar to oak.
Uses
Sapele is used extensively but primarily as flooring, furniture, cabinetwork, decorative mouldings, paneling, doors and windows, as well as anything mahogany is used for.
Price Level
Somewhat limited availability, higher price range
