Sapele Mahogany is a richly colored hardwood known for both its beauty and strength. The heartwood ranges from golden to deep reddish brown and naturally darkens with age, adding to its depth and character over time. While quartersawn boards often display a distinctive ribbon stripe pattern, sapele is also admired for its variety of striking grain figures—such as pommele, quilted, mottled, wavy, beeswing, and fiddleback—which make it a favorite for high-end millwork, furniture, and cabinetry.
The grain is typically interlocked or wavy, with a fine, uniform texture and a natural luster that gives the wood a refined appearance. In terms of durability, the heartwood is moderately to very resistant to decay and offers decent protection against insects or borers.
Sapele can be challenging to machine cleanly due to its interlocked grain, which may cause tearout in planing or routing. It also reacts with iron, potentially leading to staining, and has a slight dulling effect on tools. That said, it turns well, accepts glue nicely, and finishes beautifully—making it a versatile choice for those willing to work with its unique properties. It also gives off a pleasant, cedar-like scent when cut.
This is the highest grade of sapele, ideal for fine furniture, cabinetry, and high-end architectural millwork. FAS sapele features long, wide boards with minimal knots, consistent color, and clean grain. The surface is mostly clear, showcasing sapele’s natural ribbon striping and lustrous finish with minimal imperfections, making it perfect for projects where appearance is key.
Character grade sapele includes more of the natural variations and imperfections found in the wood—such as knots, color variation, mineral streaks, and occasional surface checks. While it’s not as visually uniform as FAS, this grade highlights the unique and organic qualities of sapele. It’s a great choice for rustic or contemporary designs where natural beauty and texture are part of the appeal.
