Sapele Hardwood Timber FAS Sawn & Kiln Dried 26mm

Sapele hardwood timber in FAS grade, sawn and kiln dried to a nominal 26mm thickness, is a dependable choice for interior joinery, furniture making, and bespoke fitouts. Its rich reddish-brown colour and interlocked grain give finished work a distinctive, consistent appearance.

Specifications

What it's used for

• Interior joinery including window boards, door components, and architrave blanks where a hardwood finish is specified
• Furniture making and cabinetry, particularly where a stained or clear-lacquered face is required
• Shopfitting and interior fitouts that call for a consistent, workable hardwood with good surface quality
• Craft and bespoke woodworking projects where FAS grade ensures minimal defects across the board length

Fitting and handling

Allow sapele boards to acclimatise in the intended environment for at least five to seven days before machining or fitting, particularly in centrally heated spaces where moisture fluctuations can cause movement. The interlocked grain can cause tearing during planing, so machine with a reduced cutting angle or take light finishing passes, working with the grain direction wherever possible. Apply a primer coat or sealer to all faces and edges before fitting to reduce moisture uptake and help maintain dimensional stability once in place.

FAQ

Is sapele a suitable hardwood for interior joinery in the UK?

Yes. Sapele is widely used in UK joinery for window boards, door blanks, and fitted furniture. FAS grade material like this gives you long, largely clear boards that are straightforward to machine and finish. It holds stains and clear finishes well and is considered a practical alternative to African mahogany.

What does FAS grade mean for sapele timber?

FAS stands for Firsts and Seconds, the highest standard grade used in hardwood lumber grading. It guarantees a minimum clear face yield, meaning boards contain fewer knots, splits, and other defects. This makes FAS grade sapele well suited to joinery and furniture work where you need consistent, usable material across the full board length.

Does sapele need treating before use indoors?

For interior use, sapele does not require a preservative treatment. However, it should be sealed or finished on all surfaces to stabilise moisture exchange. A hardwax oil, lacquer, or stain-and-varnish system all work well. If the timber will be used near an exterior opening such as a window reveal, use a suitable primer to all exposed surfaces before fitting.

Nottage Timber Merchants supply trade and retail customers across South Wales, with next-day availability to the Bridgend area. If you are working with hardwood mouldings or profiled components, browse our oak mouldings collection for complementary stock.