Botanical name : Entandrophragma Cylindricum Spraque, Family" Meliaceae)

2. Technologyical Properties
-Green weight (kg/m3) = 850-950
-Specific gravity at 12% M.C. (kg/m3) MV12 = (medium) 680

3. Distribution
It is found in the rain forests of West Africa

The Tree
A very large tree with cylindrical bole and small or no buttresses. Grows to a height of 45m or more, and a diameter at breast height of 1.0m or Slightly more.

The Timber
The sapwood is pale yellow or whitish, the heartwood pinkish when freshly cut, darkening to typical mahogany colour of reddish-brown. Sapele is characterized by a marked and regular stripe, particularly pronounced on quarter-sawn surfaces. Occasionally motte figure is present. It is harder and heavier than African mahogany, weighing about 680 kg/m3 when dried. It has a pronounced cedar-like scent when freshly cut.

Drying
Sapele Mahogany timber is best to use after proper seasoning. The timber takes approximately 4 to 6 week to season depending on sections, typical larger section would take approximately 8 week to season.

Strength
Sapele is much harder than African or South American mahogany, and in resistance to indentation, bending strength, stiffness, and resistance to shock loads.

Working Qualities
Works fairly well with hand and machine tools. It takes screws and nails well, glues satisfactorily, stains readily, It finishes well and takes excellent polish.

END USERS