Sapelli, also known as sapelli or abebay, is a tree that comes from Africa. It exists, more specifically, in Uganda, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Zaire, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo and Sierra Leone.

Sapelli wood looks similar to walnut, but with a more pink, reddish or purple color that tends to darken over time.

Sapelli wood is a hard and semi-heavy wood. Its fiber is interwoven and sometimes has streaks. Its grain is fine and has a small pore.

The most appreciated characteristic of sapelli wood is precisely its resistance to decay and the durability of the material in relation to the climate, although it is susceptible to being attacked by insects.

Sapelli wood has been a vulnerable species in recent years, as its original species has suffered a reduction of more than 20% of its forest mass over the last generations. It is easy to work with, although you have to insist on flattening it to remove the splinters or polish deformations resulting from the hardness of the material when cutting it. It accepts dyes, glues and varnishes well, and its contact with iron can stain or discolor it. It is important to use a mask and gloves when working with sapelli wood; although it is unusual to cause severe reactions, it is possible that it can irritate the skin and respiratory tract when handled.

Sapelli wood is mainly used for the manufacture of models of boats and the boats themselves. Also common are some exotic uses such as crafting musical instruments such as pianos, guitars or organs, or some percussion elements that take advantage of their hollow sound quality. In addition, doors, furniture surfaces, interior and exterior carpentry, moldings and fine joinery are also built, both exterior and interior.