Sapele
Entandrophragma cylindricum
Genus: Entandrophragma · Family: Meliaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
Africa
Avg. Dried Weight
42 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
1,410 lbf
Decay Resistance
Moderately Durable
Typical Color
Reddish Brown
Stability
Medium
Outdoor Suitability
Fair
Workability
Moderate
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Unlisted
IUCN
Not Evaluated
Did You Know?
- •Sapele is harder than 58% of the 137 species in our database.
Janka Hardness Scale
Hard
Overview
Professional Summary
Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum) is the workhorse of African mahoganies — harder, more available, and more affordable than genuine Mahogany while offering similar warm reddish-brown color and ribbon-stripe figure. At 1,410 lbf Janka, it's the most commercially important tropical hardwood for doors, windows, and architectural millwork.
In Plain English
Sapele is the practical alternative to Mahogany — similar warm reddish-brown color with beautiful ribbon-stripe figure, but harder and more affordable. It's the wood behind most 'mahogany' doors and windows sold today. Excellent all-around performer for furniture and trim.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
The industry standard for exterior doors and windows. Also excellent for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, and veneer.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Interlocked grain causes significant tearout when planing. Not as naturally durable as Teak for marine use. Can be a sensitizer.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
AI-powered alternative species matching
You Might Also Consider
Species with similar characteristics and uses
Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar reddish brown color that are easily confused with Sapele. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Harder (Janka 1,750 lbf)
- • Heavier (47 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium
- • Softer (Janka 1,070 lbf)
- • Lighter (37 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
- • Softer (Janka 1,220 lbf)
- • Texture: Medium
- • Harder (Janka 2,430 lbf)
- • Heavier (55 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Durable
- • Texture: Medium to coarse
