Sapele Wood has many characteristics that resemble Mahogany, most notably in the color of its heartwood ( golden to dark reddish-brown, darkens with age if not treated with finishing oils that will prevent oxidation), grain patterns, and internal characteristics that make it very durable. Both large industrial and small-scale wood-processing artisans came to the realization that a viable alternative to Genuine Mahogany can be found in the much cheaper and readily available wood species Sapele. This African species had many similarities with more costly Genuine Mahogany, making it perfect substitution for its numerous exterior and interior applications. Sapele originates from West Africa, and it can be most easily found in countries such as Tanzania, Nigeria, and Ghana where the individual trees can grow up to an impressive height of 45 meters in the air (with some rare examples going up to 60 meters), with the trunk diameter that can almost reach 2 meters (6 feet). It is a deciduous tree only during a dry season in West Africa, with leaves that can grow up to 10 centimeters in size. Because of the increased levels of commercial exploitation, the conservation status of Sapele has changed over the last several decades. Today, it is ranked as IUCN Red List as a vulnerable species, due to the loss of more than 20% of the total tree population over the past three generations of growth.

It is used to make fine furniture, doors and windows, architectural millwork, musical instruments, boatbuilding, countertops, paneling, flooring and veneer. Odorless while finished and has a Cedar-like scent during woodworking. Its texture is uniform and very fine.