Domestic, Exotic, & Burl Flexible Wood Veneer Made in the USA.
Domestic, Exotic, & Burl Flexible Wood Veneer Made in the USA.
Sapele veneer brings rich color and beautiful natural grain to furniture, cabinetry, and custom woodworking.
Native to tropical Africa, Sapele (Entandrophragma cylindricum) is a hardwood known for its reddish-brown coloring, natural luster, and wide range of grain patterns.
Although Sapele is sometimes called African Mahogany, it is a distinct wood species. Its appearance can range from clean, straight ribbon stripes to highly figured, almost quilted patterns.
At Oakwood Veneer Company, we offer a variety of Sapele veneer sheets for projects ranging from traditional cabinetry to decorative architectural features.
The grain pattern you choose can dramatically change the appearance of your finished project.
| Sapele Selection | Grain Appearance | Popular Applications |
|---|---|---|
| Quartered Ribbon Sapele | Straight, repeating ribbon stripes with natural shimmer | Modern cabinetry, furniture, architectural millwork |
| Flat Cut Sapele | Flowing cathedral grain with warm reddish-brown tones | Traditional furniture, cabinetry, decorative panels |
| Medium Figured Sapele | Natural grain movement and decorative figure | Furniture, cabinet doors, custom interiors |
| Pommele Low Figure | Subtle, scattered dappled patterns | Furniture, cabinetry, decorative accents |
| Pommele Medium Figure | More prominent, balanced Pommele figure | Statement furniture, architectural accents |
| Pommele Highly Figured | Dense, dramatic Pommele patterns | Decorative furniture, feature surfaces |
| Blonde Sapele | Lighter, honey-toned coloring | Contemporary furniture and interiors |
| Birdseye Sapele | Distinctive small, eye-shaped grain features | Specialty furniture and decorative accents |
| Sapele & Holly Nautical Dockwood | Contrasting Sapele and Holly striping | Nautical-inspired cabinetry and decorative woodwork |
Because these are genuine wood products, the appearance of individual sheets will vary naturally.
Pommele describes a distinctive figured grain pattern that resembles ripples, small waves, or raindrops across the wood.
Unlike the straight ribbon stripes of quartered Sapele, Pommele produces more irregular movement and visual depth.
Oakwood offers Low, Medium, and Highly Figured Pommele selections, allowing woodworkers to choose how prominent they want these patterns to appear.
These descriptions refer to the concentration and appearance of the figure rather than a universal manufacturing-quality grade.
Sapele is a versatile choice for decorative woodworking.
Its warm coloring works well for cabinetry, furniture, doors, desks, and interior architectural details.
Quartered Ribbon Sapele is particularly appealing when a clean, repeating grain pattern is desired. Pommele and other figured selections are popular for decorative accents where the wood becomes a focal point.
Specialty selections such as Blonde Sapele and Sapele & Holly provide additional design possibilities.
Our flexible Sapele veneer sheets are designed to be applied to a suitable substrate.
Oakwood Veneer Company offers several backing options across its wood veneer products.
| Backing Option | Best Applications | Installation Method |
|---|---|---|
| 10-Mil Paper Backer | Furniture, cabinetry, architectural panel faces | Press application only |
| Bubble-Free Veneer (BFV) | Cabinetry, furniture, architectural surfaces | Hand scraping or press |
| 3M™ PSA (Peel & Stick) | Cabinet refacing and furniture resurfacing | Pre-applied adhesive; hand scraping |
| Phenolic Backed | Counter fronts and difficult substrates | Press or hand scraping |
| Wood-on-Wood (WOW) | Certain curved panels and solid-stave woodworking projects | Press or hand scraping |
Backing availability varies by product and selected options.
For information about adhesive compatibility, thickness, and minimum bending radii, consult the Backer Selection Matrix Guide on our product pages.
Our Sapele veneer products offer different combinations of quality, sheet size, and backing options.
If your project requires a particular dimension, matching grain patterns, or multiple sheets with a consistent appearance, our team can help you review available material.
For larger installations, we recommend confirming current inventory and lead times before ordering.
Looking for veneer-faced panels instead of flexible sheets? Browse our Sapele Veneer Panels.
For additional installation guidance, read our Woodworker's Guide to Veneer Adhesives.
Need help selecting the right grain pattern, backing, or sheet size?
Call 800-426-6018 or email info@oakwoodveneer.com.
Our team is happy to help you choose the right Sapele veneer for your project.
