Here at Stafford Joinery we specialise in producing high-quality bespoke timber furniture and special items of joinery that are designed and crafted to perfection and our team of skilled craftsmen use only the finest range of timber materials to create special items that are both unique and durable. In our latest article we look at why Sapele wood is one of the most popular hardwoods in our inventory.

What is Sapele wood?

Sapele (pronounced sa-pee’-lee) is in the African mahogany family and is a large hardwood tree naturally that has a widespread growth range across Africa.  It is common for the trunk to exceed 6 feet in diameter and it has a very straight trunk with little to no branching below 80 feet.  This yields very straight grained, wide and long lumber in great abundance per log.  With such a large resource to harvest from, it remains easy to get large amounts of Sapele throughout the year.  This availability will keep costs down as well as make it a species you can consistently rely on for various projects.

Sapele wood colour

Sapele hardwood can vary in colour depending on the specific tree and growing conditions, but generally it is a reddish-brown colour with a straight grain pattern. The colour can range from a light pinkish brown to a dark purplish brown and it may also have a slight purple or reddish cast. The sapwood (the outer edge of the log) is usually a pale-yellow colour. Sapele hardwood can also have a unique and attractive ribbon-stripe figure in the grain, which is often sought after by woodworkers and furniture makers.

What is it used for?

Sapele wood is hugely popular due to its hardness and close grained texture making it perfect for intricate joinery. It is rot resistance, meaning you find it both in interior and exterior doors, windows and siding but also all kinds of millwork applications like cabinets and even flooring. It has quickly become the go to replacement for generations of genuine mahogany usage and in many cases is a superior solution for cabinetry and furniture. This is due to the clear nature of the tree providing wide and long boards with next to zero defects. Painted or left naturally, it is highly durable for just about any design, including:-

Cabinetry

Sapele cabinets are a popular choice for kitchens and bathrooms, offering a combination of strength, durability, and aesthetics. They are well suited to high-humidity environments and can withstand the rigours of daily use.

Musical Instruments

Sapele wood is a popular choice for making high-quality musical instruments, including guitars, drums, and harps. Its strong resonant properties and beautiful grain patterns make it ideal for creating rich, warm tones. Sapele wood is also used for the necks and bodies of violins, cellos, and other stringed instruments.

Shipbuilding

With its shatterproof and heat-resistant properties, Sapele Wood is often used for boat hulls, floors, and interior decoration. It is capable of withstanding great water pressure without any change in properties

Properly finished and maintained, Sapele hardwood flooring, furniture, or millwork can last for many years and provide a beautiful and durable surface. For further information on Sapele wood, please contact us here.