Sapele Sawn Timber

Sapele Entandrophragma cylindricum

Harder and heavier than African mahogany, Sapele is prized for its lustrous iridescence with colours that range from a warm golden to a dark reddish brown with a distinctive stripe. Besides the common ribbon pattern seen on quartersawn boards, Sapele is also known for a wide variety of other figured grain patterns, such as: pommele, quilted, wavy and fiddleback. The West African timber has a fine uniform texture and a natural lustre. It stains readily and takes an excellent polish making it rightly popular with carpenters and woodworkers.

Its durability, strength, resistance to indentation, stiffness, and resistance to shock loads, is practically equal with Oak, making Sapele a perfect choice for both internal and external applications. It is ideal for joinery, flooring, counter tops, cabinetry and furniture, where its natural beauty shines through.

Technical Specification

Unit of sale: m³ (cubic metre)

Specification: Supplied in kiln dried square edge sawn boards

Width range (mm): 125mm+

Length: 2.10m+


Description Board thickness (mm) Moisture content
Kiln dried boards 26 10-16% +/-2%
34 10-16% +/-2%
40 10-16% +/-2%
46 10-16% +/-2%
52 10-16% +/-2%
65 10-16% +/-2%
78 10-16% +/-2%
101.6 10-16% +/-2%

Additional Information

  • Sapele is graded into the UK as FAS (which derives from an original grade: First and Seconds) - minimum yield 83% clear wood cuttings on the poor face of the board. The FAS grade will provide the user with long, clear cuttings – best suited for high quality furniture, interior joinery and solid wood mouldings.

  • Pre-drill for screws and nails due to the timber’s density.

  • Durable. Internal and external use.

Do you require sawn timber for your next project?

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From providing sawn timber to specialist services such as CNC and kilning, we can help. With over 155 years experience, timber is what we do. Get in touch with our Sales Team to get your sawn timber quote.