Origin
The sapele, also known as sapelly or abebay, is a tree that comes from tropical Africa zones. Specifically it is bred in countries such as Uganda, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Zaire, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Sierra Leone.
Colour
The sapele wood is similar to the hickory’s, but with a pinker flush, red or purple that over time tends to darken its appearance.
Texture
The sapele wood is a hard and semi-heavy wood. Its fiber is interlaced and sometimes marbled, while its grain is fine and with a small pore.
Durability
Precisely the most appreciated characteristic of the sapele wood is its resistance to putrefaction and durability of its material to the weather, although it is susceptible to the attack by insects.
Features
The sapele wood is a vulnerable species in the recent years, as its original species has been reduced by more than 20% of its forest cover in the latest generations. Its work is good although we must insist on your brushing to remove splinters or polishing deformations resulting from the hardness of the material when cut. It accepts either dyes, glues and varnishes, and its contact with iron may stain or discolour. It is important to wear a mask and gloves when working with sapele wood. Although it is not normal that causes severe reactions, it is possible that irritates the skin and the respiratory tracts when handling it.
Applications
The sapele wood is specially used for making mock-ups of ships and the boats themselves. They are also common some exotic uses such as the manufacture of musical instruments, such as pianos, guitars or organs, or some percussion elements that leverage its hollow sound quality. In addition, it also works to build doors, furniture surfaces, interior and exterior joinery, moldings and also fine exterior or interior woodwork.