Wood description:
Sapele wood is very appreciated due to the characteristic striped pattern of the boards when quarter sawn. It is darker with a heavier texture then African mahogany. Sapwood, reddish or yellowish grey, is clearly noticeable from heartwood which is red-brown and it tends to get darker with time.

Histological structure:
Grain: straight, often interlocked;
Texture: from fine to medium.

Characteristic defects:
Fragile heartwood;
Ring shake;
Internal tensions.

Permeabilty:
average permeable sapwood, almost impermeable heartwood.

Working properties:
Sawing: trouble-free;
Drying: medium to slow, some risk of warp and checks;
Planing: easy except on the interlocked ;
Glueing: trouble-free;
Nailing and screwing: easy;
Finishing: easy.

Main uses:
High class furniture for interior and exterior;
Garments, flooring, doors, windows and stairs;
Decorative veneering for doors, pianos …;
Sliced decorative face veneers for paneling and for marine use.

Mechanical properties:
Tensil strength : 1150 kg/cm²
Compressive strength : 590 kg/cm²

Specific weight:
green 900 kg/m³ , dried 690 kg/ m³.