Sapele Timber

Sapele timber is a premium African hardwood, it is valued for its rich reddish-brown colour, interlocked grain, and exceptional strength, making it a popular alternative to mahogany.

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Key Information About Sapele

Durability:
Naturally durable and resistant to decay and insect attacks, it performs well in both interior and exterior applications. Its high density allows it to withstand heavy wear and long-term use.
Workability:
Sapele machines well with both hand and power tools, though its interlocked grain may require extra care during planing. It glues, sands, and finishes beautifully, delivering a polished look.
Origins:
Primarily sourced from tropical West and Central African countries such as Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
Species Type:
Tropical Hardwood
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Highlights of Sapele Wood

PROS

High Durability – Naturally resists rot, decay, and insect damage.

Attractive Appearance – Rich reddish-brown tone with ribbon-like grain.
Excellent Stability – Holds its shape well with minimal warping.
Versatile Finish – Takes stain, polish, and varnish exceptionally well.
Wide Application Range – Suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Durability

High durability. It’s naturally resistant to decay, wear, and insect attack.

DENSITY

Approx. 640–690 kg/m³ (at 12% moisture content)

APPLICATIONS

Doors, windows, cabinetry, flooring, musical instruments, and high-end architectural joinery.

Applications & Uses of Sapele Timber

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FINE JOINERY

Sapele is prized for its excellent machining and clean finishes, making it a go-to for detailed joinery work. Its dimensional stability ensures crisp edges and smooth surfaces.

LUXURY FURNITURE

The rich reddish-brown tone and ribbon-like grain give it a high-end appearance. It's often used for custom-made tables, chairs, and cabinets.

CABINETRY

Its durability and smooth texture make it ideal for premium kitchen and bathroom cabinets. It takes stains and finishes well, allowing for a polished final look.

MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS

Commonly used for acoustic guitar backs, sides, and necks. Its tonal qualities are comparable to mahogany, offering warmth and clarity.

FLOORING

Thanks to its hardness and attractive grain, it’s well-suited for high-traffic flooring. It provides a luxurious finish while resisting wear over time.

BOATBUILDING

With natural resistance to water and decay, Sapele is used in boat interiors and marine trim. Its strength and longevity make it suitable for harsh environments.

Our Sapele Timber Product Range

KILN Dried Lumber

LAMINATED SCANTLING

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Source high-performance Sapele timber products crafted for lasting beauty and versatility across furniture, flooring, and more. Reach out now for pricing and custom solutions.
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FAQs about Sapele Timber

What is Sapele timber?
A member of the Mahogany family, Sapele is an African hardwood known for its durability and elegant appearance. Its interlocked grain and natural luster make it suitable for a wide range of interior and exterior wood applications.
Sapele shares a similar appearance to Mahogany but has a more pronounced ribbon-like grain pattern due to its interlocked grain. It is generally denser and harder than Mahogany, offering greater durability but slightly more difficulty in machining.
Maran Timber offers high-quality Sapele products, including engineered wood such as laminated scantlings, as well as solid wood options like kiln-dried timber. These materials are crafted for stability, aesthetics, and performance across various applications, from fine joinery to architectural use.
Due to its interlocked grain, Sapele can cause tear-out during planing or machining. It may also have a blunting effect on cutting tools, requiring frequent sharpening for clean results.
Yes, Sapele has natural resistance to rot, moisture, and insects, making it suitable for exterior use. However, proper finishing and sealing are recommended to enhance its durability in outdoor environments.
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