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What is Sapelli?
Sapelli Wood: Versatile and Decorative Tropical Wood
Sapelli is a moderately durable hardwood from Central and West Africa, known for its reddish-brown heartwood with a often golden sheen and pink-gray sapwood. This wood species is highly sought after for interior design due to its decorative grain and good workability.
Origin and Botanical Information
Sapelli is the commercial name for the botanical species Entandrophragma cylindricum Sprague, and belongs to the Meliaceae family. The wood is found in the permanently green tropical rainforest of nearly all countries in Central and West Africa, including Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Congo-Brazzaville.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Botanical name | Entandrophragma cylindricum |
| Origin | Central and West Africa |
Appearance and Structure
Sapelli trees grow to 40 to 50 meters tall and have a diameter of 70 to 120 cm. The straight, branch-free, cylindrical trunk is 15 to 20 meters long, and at the base of the trunk, you often find small plank roots.
| Characteristic | Description |
|---|---|
| Height | 40-50 meters |
| Branch-free trunk | 15-20 meters |
| Diameter | 70-120 cm |
| Heartwood color | Reddish brown with golden sheen |
| Sapwood color | Pink-gray |
| Grain | Decorative grain in quarter and plain sawn |
Durability
The heartwood of Sapelli is moderately durable, while the sapwood is not durable.
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Durability class (heartwood) | III |
| Durability class (sapwood) | V |
Drying and Processing
Drying Sapelli can be challenging due to its cross-grain, which develops drying stresses. It is important to allow sufficient time between drying and machine processing to minimize distortions. Sapelli is well workable, both machine and hand. The wood should be planed and milled at a small cutting angle to prevent raised fibers.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Drying time | Allow sufficient time between drying and machine processing |
| Processing | Well workable, adjust cutting angle for cross-grain |
Finishing and Fastening
Sapelli finishes well with both water-based and solvent-based stains, paints, and varnishes. It is easy to nail and screw. Contact with iron can sometimes cause blue-gray stains.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Staining/varnishing | Well finishable with various products |
| Fastening | Easy to nail and screw, watch out for blue-gray stains when in contact with iron |
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Average density | 650 kg/m³ |
| Bending strength | 105 N/mm² |
| Modulus of elasticity | 12,000 N/mm² |
| Compressive strength (parallel to grain) | 56 N/mm² |
| Shear strength | 15.7 N/mm² |
| Hardness (Janka) – Along | 6,700 N |
Commercial Dimensions
| Thickness | Fixed widths | Lengths |
|---|---|---|
| 26 mm | 80/105/130/155/180/205 mm | 185 cm and longer, average 275 cm and longer |
| 65 mm | 90/105/130/155 mm | 185 cm and longer, average 275 cm and longer |
| 40/52/65 mm | Variable widths from 15.5 cm (with 10-15% from 10 to 14 cm) | 185 cm and longer, average 275 cm and longer |
| 155 x 155 mm | Beams | 185 cm and longer, average 275 cm and longer |
Applications
Sapelli is suitable for a wide range of applications, both indoors and outdoors:
- Interior Design: Parquet and plank flooring, interior joinery, paneling, wall and ceiling cladding, interior doors, stairs, furniture.
- Exterior Joinery: Windows, doors, boat building, facade cladding.
- Others: Turned work, piano and organ building, sliced veneer, plywood.
Interesting Facts about Sapelli Wood
- Sapelli is often confused with Mahogany due to its similar appearance and properties.
- The name 'Sapelli' is derived from a local African name for the tree.
- Sapelli trees can live for over 200 years in their natural habitat.
- The wood of Sapelli has a characteristic, slightly spicy smell when freshly cut.
- Sapelli is often used in the production of high-quality musical instruments due to its acoustic properties.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is Sapelli suitable for outdoor use?
Sapelli is moderately durable (class III) and can be used for exterior joinery such as windows and doors, but requires regular maintenance and protection against the elements.
How does Sapelli differ from Mahogany?
Although Sapelli and Mahogany are similar in appearance and properties, Sapelli is generally slightly harder and heavier. Sapelli also has a more pronounced cross-grain and a golden sheen that is less present in Mahogany.
How should Sapelli wood be maintained?
For indoor use, regular dusting and occasional treatment with furniture oil is sufficient. For outdoor use, it is important to protect the wood with a suitable stain or varnish and to repeat this treatment regularly.
Is Sapelli environmentally friendly?
The sustainability of Sapelli depends on responsible forest management. Choose Sapelli with FSC or PEFC certification to ensure that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests.
Can Sapelli discolor?
Yes, Sapelli can darken over time due to exposure to light. This process can be slowed down by treating the wood with a UV-resistant finish.
Conclusion
Sapelli is a versatile and moderately durable wood species with an attractive color and grain. It is suitable for various applications in both interior and exterior joinery and offers excellent workability and finishing options. With the right care and maintenance, Sapelli can retain its beauty for years and be a valuable addition to any project.