Characteristics: The heartwood of this exotic and imported hardwood is red to dark reddish-brown, usually with a purple cast. On quartered surfaces the wood presents a well defined ribbon striped figure. The grain is interlocked or wavy and the texture is fine. The lumber has a cedar like aromatic odor when cut. These boards enjoy a high golden luster. Sapele is stronger that African or American Mahogany and it’s also stronger than Red Oak. Common Uses: Furniture - cabinetry - veneer - doors - boat building - musical instruments - flooring - plywood and anything you would use Mahogany for. Sapele is in the Mahogany family. Working Properties: Works easily with both hand and power tools. It nails, screws and glues well. Will take a finish if wood is properly surfaced. Common Name: Sapele Tree is Native To: Sapele grows in Nigeria and along the African Ivory Coast. Botanical Classification: Entandrophragma cylindricum Family: Meliaceae Average Dried Weight: 40 lb/ft. Average Specific Gravity: .55