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West African Sapele Timber, mostly from West Africa, is a reddish-brown hardwood. Although some parts of the Sapele logs will produce straight-grain or ‘quartered’ effect, generally it has a more random grain appearance, thus meaning it is liable to interlocked grain.
Sapele hardwood is moderately durable as well as the heartwood. When you order West African Sapele, you’ll receive a product which has been tailor-made to your exact specifications. Simply select the desired sizes, and we’ll use the state of the art machinery found in our mill and machine shop to cut it to suit your specifications.
Get in contact with us on 01373 481225 or email us for more information: [email protected]
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Wood2Size aims to deliver to mainland UK on the next working day
(if ordered before midday on the previous working day).Please call +44 (0) 1373 481225 or email [email protected] to ask if we can quote to offer same working day delivery.
Deliveries are subject to stock availability and excludes Saturdays, Sundays, Bank Holidays and Christmas Periods.
Bank Holidays and Christmas Shutdowns:
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- Monday 26th August 2024 – Summer Bank Holiday
- Monday 23rd December 2024 – Christmas Shutdown
- Tuesday 24th December 2024 – Christmas Shutdown
- Wednesday 25th December 2024 – Christmas Day
- Thursday 26th December 2024 – Boxing Day
- Friday 27th December 2024 – Christmas Shutdown
- Monday 30th December 2024 – Christmas Shutdown
- Tuesday 31st December 2024 – Christmas Shutdown
- Wednesday 1st January 2025 – New Year’s Day
Cut to Size / Planed West African Sapele Timber
The sapwood is pale yellow or whitish, the heartwood pinkish when freshly cut, darkening to typical mahogany colour of reddish-brown. Sapele is characterised by a marked and regular stripe, particularly pronounced on quarter-sawn surfaces.
Occasionally mottle figure is present, it is fairly close textured, and the grain is interlocked. It is harder and heavier than African mahogany, weighing about 640 kg/m³ when dried. It has a pronounced cedar-like scent when freshly cut.
Many Tropical timbers including West African Sapele may affected by the tiny Ambrosia beetle when the logs are fresh-felled and lying on Forest floor in humid climates, as soon as the log is resawn and kiln dried, the Ambrosia dies i.e. it is not continuous damaging woodworm. This is not considered a defect especially as these timbers are frequently given a paint finish and either a coloured or dark stain typically hides any pin marks.
Ordering West African Sapele Timber
People ordering sapele timber from Wood2Size will find that this is a reasonably hard and heavy wood which is easy to work, tending to saw easily, finish well, and peel and slice effectively for veneers. This is also a great wood for gluing and nailing, although it may tear during planing
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The tree
A very large tree with cylindrical bole and small or not buttresses. Grows to a height of 45m or more, and a diameter at breast height of 10m or slightly more. The Timber The sapwood is pale yellow or whitish, the heartwood pinkish when freshly cut, darkening to typical mahogany colour of reddish brown. Sapele is characterised by a marked and regular stripe, particularly pronounced on quarter-sawn surfaces. Occasionally mottle figures is present, it is fairly close textured, and the grain is interlocked. It is harder and heavier than African mahogany, weighing about 640 kg/m3 when dried. It has pronounced cedar-like scent when freshly cut.
The timber
Predominantly from West Africa, is a reddish-brown hardwood. Although some parts of the Sapele logs will produce straight-grain or ‘quartered’ effect, generally it has a more random grain appearance, thus meaning it is liable to interlocked grain. Interlocked grain spirals around the centre of the tree thus alternating intermittently and causing a ‘rough’ effect, this can generally be reduced if not eliminated by heavy sanding. Sapele is used for numerous mahogany like products, for example conservatories, door frames and solid wood doors, furniture and countertops. It is available kiln dried in thicknesses 26mm, 38mm, 50mm, 63mm, 76mm and 100mm. Random widths range from 100mm to about 400mm and lengths 2m to about 5m. It is essential to specify the narrowest and shortest dimensions to optimise the lowest priced sizes.
Strength and Durability
Strength – Sapele is much harder than African or American mahogany, and in resistance to indentation, bending strength, stiffness, and resistance to shock loads, is practically equal with English Oak.
Durability – Moderately durable. Heartwood is moderately durable. Resistance to termite attack is variable. Sapwood liable to powder-post beetle attack. Heartwood resistant, sapwood moderately resistant.
Physical properties
Moderate hardness and weight. Medium bending and crushing strengths, not recommended for steam bending. Seasons fairly rapidly but with a marked tendency to warp. Very variable in drying properties, requires careful stacking. Movement in service is rated as medium.
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What can sapele be used for?
West African Sapele Timber is used for joinery exterior and interior, furniture, flooring, cabinetwork, decorative veneers, paneling and much more. It is available kiln dried in thicknesses 26mm, 32mm, 38mm, 51mm, 63mm, 75mm and 100mm. Random widths range from 100mm to about 400mm and lengths 2m to about 5m. It is essential to specify the narrowest and shortest dimensions to optimise the lower priced sizes.
How strong and durable is this sapele?
Sapele hardwood is moderately durable as well as the heartwood. Its resistance to termite attack is variable. The sapwood is liable to powder-post beetle attack and the heartwood is resistant. The sapwood is moderately resistant.
What are the physical properties of sapele?
Sapele is moderately hard and heavy, it has medium bending and crushing strengths and is not recommended for steam bending. Sapele seasons fairly rapidly but with a marked tendency to warp, it's very variable in drying properties and requires careful stacking.