Shop Sapele

Sapele plywood is faced with Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum), an African hardwood often used as a direct and superior alternative to genuine mahogany. It is an exotic supplier favorite, recognized for its durability, natural resistance to moisture, and unique ribbon-like figure that makes it ideal for fine furniture and boat interiors in the Pacific Northwest. The properties below generally refer to the Sapele face veneer used in this plywood:

• Janka Rating: Sapele averages 1,410 lbf (pounds-force). This makes it significantly harder and more durable than genuine mahogany and Red Oak, offering excellent resistance to dents and scratches.
  
  
• Color/Appearance: The heartwood is a deep, uniform reddish-brown, which tends to darken over time to a rich, traditional mahogany tone.
  
  
• Grain/Texture: The grain is typically interlocked, which produces the highly desirable ribbon stripe figure when quartersawn. The texture is fine and even, with a high natural luster.
  
  
• Rot Resistance: Rated as moderately durable. Sapele exhibits good natural resistance to decay and is often used in marine and boat building applications (when the plywood core is manufactured with waterproof glue).
  
  
• Workability: Generally good, though the interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Due to its density, it requires sharp, high-quality tools. It takes polish, stain, and clear coat finishes exceptionally well.
  
  
• Odor: Distinctive, but pleasant, cedar-like, or spicy when freshly cut.
  
  
• Common Uses: Boat building (especially marine grade applications), high-end cabinetry, musical instruments, veneer, architectural millwork, and furniture.
  
  

For customers in the Pacific Northwest specializing in boat building and premium millwork, Sapele plywood offers distinct advantages:

Sapele vs. Genuine Mahogany: Sapele is often referred to as "African Mahogany," but it possesses several superior qualities. Sapele is significantly harder (Janka 1,410 lbf) and more dimensionally stable than traditional true mahogany. This makes it less prone to movement in humid environments like boat cabins. Furthermore, Sapele is readily available and generally more cost-effective than CITES-protected true mahogany.

Why Choose Sapele for Marine Projects? When the plywood core is made with a waterproof, exterior-grade adhesive (like those used in marine plywood), the Sapele face provides natural defense against moisture. Its high durability and handsome appearance make it essential for:

• Boat Interiors: Bulkheads, cabinet doors, and paneling inside yachts and recreational vessels.
  
  
• Exterior Trim (Protected): Used in areas shielded from constant, direct exposure, such as covered cockpit trim.
  
  
• Achieving the Signature Ribbon Figure: The striking ribbon figure is only visible when the veneer is quartersawn. This effect gives Sapele a three-dimensional depth and sheen as light reflects off the alternating grain, making it highly desirable for high-end furniture and statement architectural pieces.
  
  
• Workability Considerations: While durable, the interlocked grain means routing and planing the edges and faces should be done carefully with very sharp, high-quality tools and at a shallow cutting angle to minimize tearout.
  
  

Sapele plywood is an essential product for our customers in the Seattle-Port Townsend-Tacoma area who specialize in local marine plywood and panel supplier projects. Edensaw Woods (Edensaw.com), based in Port Townsend-Tacoma, Washington, proudly serves the entire nearby Pacific Northwest region. As your local domestic and exotic supplier and specialty lumber and wood supplier, we stock a wide selection of top-quality wood panels and plywood, including Sapele, to meet demanding specifications for both cabinet and marine work. Our inventory boasts: Alder, Ash, Beech, Birch, Birch (Prefin), Cherry, Cherry (Prefin), Fir, Hickory, Khaya, Maple, Poplar, Red Oak, Sapele, Shop, Tennessee Cedar, Walnut, White Oak, and assorted plywood and panels. View our full range of products and available services, or contact us for expert marine advice. Share your finished work with us through our tell us about your completed project! form.