Entandrophragma cylindricum
Sapele
Also known as: Aboudikrou, Sapelli, Sapele Mahogany
Timber GrainAbout this Timber
General Description
Sapele heartwood is medium to dark reddish-brown, characterised by a well-defined ribbon striped figure on quartered surfaces. The grain is interlocked or wavy and the texture is fairly fine. Sapele has a cedar-like scent when freshly cut and is moderately durable.
Working Properties
How This Timber Works
Sapele machines well but care must be taken that fibres in the interlocking grain do not pick up. The wood can be stained, varnished and polished well. It also glues, screws and nails well.
Mechanical Properties
Relatively high crushing and medium bending strength, with low stiffness and has a poor steam bending classification.
Technical Data
Technical Specifications
*Air Dry Density (kg/m³) is an average indication only and actual values may vary. Refer to strength, shrinkage and durability classification tables for full details.
Reference Tables
Timber Classification Tables
Standard NZ classification tables for strength groupings, shrinkage and durability. This species is highlighted in each table.
| Strength Group | Modulus of Rupture | Modulus of Elasticity | Max Crushing Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| S1 | 103 | 16300 | 52 |
| S2 | 76 | 14200 | 43 |
| S3 | 73 | 12400 | 36 |
| S4 | 62 | 10700 | 31 |
| S5 | 52 | 9100 | 26 |
| S6 | 43 | 7900 | 22 |
| S7 | 36 | 6900 | 18 |
| Strength Group | Modulus of Rupture | Modulus of Elasticity | Max Crushing Strength |
|---|---|---|---|
| SD1 | 150 | 21500 | 80 |
| SD2 | 130 | 18500 | 70 |
| SD3 | 110 | 16000 | 61 |
| SD4 | 94 | 14000 | 54 |
| SD5 | 78 | 12500 | 47 |
| SD6 | 65 | 10500 | 41 |
| SD7 | 55 | 9100 | 36 |
| SD8 | 45 | 7900 | 30 |
| Description of Shrinkage | Tangential | Radial |
|---|---|---|
| Very Low | 0 – 3.5 | 0 – 2 |
| Low | 3.5 – 5.0 | 2 – 3 |
| Medium | 5.0 – 6.5 | 3 – 4 |
| High | 6.5 – 8.0 | 4 – 5 |
| Very High | > 8.0 | > 5 |
| Grade of Durability | Fully Protected | Above Ground, Exposed | In-Ground, Exposed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very Durable | > 50 | > 40 | > 25 |
| Durable | > 50 | 15 – 40 | 15 – 25 |
| Moderately Durable | > 50 | 7 – 15 | 5 – 15 |
| Non-Durable | > 50 | 0 – 7 | 0 – 5 |
Applications
Main Uses
Stock & Sizes
Availability
Sawn 25mm, 40mm, 50mm, 65mm and 75mm thicknesses in mixed widths.
Quality Standard
