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Elegant, durable, and richly coloured, Sapele is a high-quality African hardwood often chosen as an alternative to mahogany for its similar appearance and superior strength. We offer premium Sapele lumber and veneers ideal for fine furniture, cabinetry, doors, panelling, and musical instruments where beauty and performance go hand in hand. Sapele features a reddish-brown hue with interlocking grain that can produce beautiful ribbon-like or wavy patterns, especially when quarter-sawn. It machines and finishes well, taking stains and clear coats with ease to reveal its deep natural lustre. Known for its stability and resistance to wear, it’s a top choice for both structural and decorative applications. As a proudly Canadian company, Windsor Plywood specializes in hard-to-find, high-quality wood species and personalized, expert service. Whether you're crafting a refined interior or a standout feature piece, Sapele offers timeless elegance, strength, and reliable workability.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a wood species a specialty or hardwood lumber at Windsor Plywood?
Specialty lumber includes domestic hardwoods like maple, walnut, oak, cherry, ash, and alder used primarily for furniture, cabinetry, and fine woodworking rather than structural applications. Exotic species sourced internationally also fall in this category. These are premium materials sold by the board foot rather than by the linear foot.
What does board foot mean when buying hardwood lumber?
A board foot is a volume measurement equal to a piece of wood 12 inches wide, 12 inches long, and 1 inch thick, or any equivalent volume. When you buy hardwood lumber by the board foot, the price accounts for the width and thickness of the actual board, not just its length. Wider and thicker boards cost more per linear foot.
What hardwood species is best for cabinetry?
Hard maple is the industry standard for painted or stained cabinet boxes and doors due to its hardness, fine consistent grain, and smooth machining characteristics. Cherry and walnut are popular for stained natural finishes where visual warmth is important. Oak is traditional and widely available; its open grain requires filling for the smoothest painted finish.
Can I purchase hardwood lumber at Windsor Plywood in smaller quantities?
Yes. Windsor Plywood sells hardwood lumber by the piece and by the board foot, not only in full bundles. This makes it accessible for smaller woodworking projects, furniture repairs, and custom builds where only a few boards are needed. Staff can help select pieces for grain, figure, and defect-free requirements.
What is the difference between quarter-sawn and flat-sawn hardwood?
Quarter-sawn lumber is cut so the growth rings run roughly perpendicular to the board face, producing a tighter, straighter grain pattern with a distinctive ray fleck in some species like oak. It is more dimensionally stable and resists cupping. Flat-sawn produces wider boards with a cathedral grain pattern and is the more common and affordable cut.