Overview
Sapele veneer on the core your furniture needs
Sapele, also spelled Sapelli, gives furniture and interior joinery a reddish-brown wood face. The face species and core are separate choices: CUZI supplies Sapele veneer on poplar, birch or eucalyptus plywood, in 3–30 mm with one or two decorative faces.
Choose the face your customer will see.
Select the veneer cut for the grain pattern, the matching method for adjoining leaves, and the panel sequence for doors or walls. Review the chosen veneer with the intended coating and edge trim.
Request a sapele appearance setBuying for a boat interior?
A Sapele face supplies the appearance; a marine construction supplies the specified core and bond. Use Sapele-faced marine plywood with the boat designer’s grade and coating requirements.
Applications
Walls, doors and furniture: define what is seen together
Apply matching to adjacent visible parts. Wall elevations, door pairs and furniture fronts need different panel allocations.
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| Application | Design and finished detail | Start with a working sample |
|---|---|---|
| Feature walls and reception joinery | Numbered elevation, access faces, corners and returns. Keep grain arrows, viewing direction, light and panel sequence together. | Adjacent faces and the actual joint / return. Request a wall-sequence sample |
| Cabinet doors and fitted furniture | Neighbouring doors / drawers, centre joint, hinge detail, visible back and actual edging or solid trim. | The matched front and finished edge with its fittings. Request a paired-door sample |
| Furniture collections | Visible face-to-side relationships and a useful wood / finish range for each construction in the collection. | Face, adjoining part and finished edge kept as one reference. Request a furniture-detail sample |
Specifications
Supply specifications
Regular sizes mm · width × length
On request
Other sheet sizes and cut-to-size panels on request.
| Nominal thickness | 3–30 mmDiscuss finished thickness and tolerances → |
|---|---|
| Core / substrate | Poplar, birch or eucalyptus |
| Surface finish | Sapele veneer; single or double sided; veneer matching available |
Details for your application
Panel construction and finishing
| Sapele face | Sapele veneer for furniture, cabinetry and interior joinery; identity, cut and selected appearance connected to the item. |
|---|---|
| Thickness & core | 3–30 mm panels with poplar, birch or eucalyptus cores. |
| Face arrangement | Single or double sided; reverse face and treatment described with the component. |
| Grain & matching | Veneer matching available, with grain orientation and adjoining-panel sequence mapped on the design. |
| Finish & trim | Coating, sheen and the face-to-trim junction retained with the sample and matching-group references. |
Separate panel thickness, veneer thickness and core
The 3–30 mm range is the overall panel thickness. Specify the face veneer thickness separately for sanding, machining and finishing. Name the core and reverse face so the workshop receives the complete construction.
- Thickness & core
- 3–30 mm; poplar, birch or eucalyptus cores. State the bond, tolerances and machining requirements for the component.
- Faces & reverse
- Sapele veneer, single or double sided. Add veneer identity, cut, face thickness and the intended reverse-face treatment.
- Grain & colour
- Preferred figure, viewing direction and finished colour range, with representative physical references.
- Matching scope
- Veneer matching available. Mark adjacent doors, panel numbers, grain arrows, access faces and returns on the drawing.
- Finish & junctions
- Coating or stain, sheen, preparation, edging material and a sample of the face-to-trim transition.
- Item allocation
- Sheet or component quantities, matching groups, selected spares, pack labels and destination.
Configuration
Choose the cut, then the match, then the finish
Cut controls the grain figure. Book or slip matching controls the arrangement of veneer leaves within a face. Panel sequencing controls how finished sheets line up across a wall or door run.
Veneer cut: ribbon grain, broader figure and colour range
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| Face reference | Describe the desired appearance | Compare the proposed veneer |
|---|---|---|
| Ribbon-grain preference | Discuss quarter-sliced veneer for a striped figure. Send the grain direction, stripe character and the faces that will sit alongside one another. | Adjacent finished faces viewed straight on and from the side. Request a ribbon-grain comparison |
| Broader grain preference | Discuss a plain-sliced or broader figure with a physical reference; identify the grain features and cut proposed for your panel. | The selected figure under the intended coating, beside the next visible piece. Request a broader-grain comparison |
| Colour and character range | Choose a useful range of colour, figure and permitted natural features for the surfaces your collection uses. | Representative raw and finished references with the same preparation, sheen and lighting. Request the veneer selection details |
Discuss ribbon grain and the veneer cut
Quarter-sliced sapele can show a pronounced striped figure, while a different cut gives another grain pattern. Bring a reference for the effect you want and discuss the cut and matching arrangement for your item. Columbia Forest Products' sapele illustrations show why cut matters to appearance. Review the proposed veneer itself under your intended finish and lighting.
Choose the leaf arrangement, then number the finished pieces.
Book matching
Alternate leaves are turned over to make a mirrored arrangement at the joint. Try the adjacent finished faces from the intended viewing positions.
Request a book-matched sampleSlip matching
Successive leaves sit beside one another without reversal, creating a repeated arrangement. Compare the proposed cut and the join between the leaves.
Request a slip-matched samplePanel sequence
Mark panel numbers and grain arrows across the elevation or door run. Keep access faces, returns and selected spares in their matching group.
Request a numbered-set sampleSingle face, double face and finishing details
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| Arrangement | Name the complete panel | Sample detail to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Single decorative face | Sapele viewing face; agreed reverse veneer and treatment. Specify face veneer gauge, sanding scope, plywood core and overall thickness separately. | Main face, exposed cut edge and reverse with the intended finish. Request a single-face sample |
| Two visible faces | Sapele on both sides; selected appearance, matching and finish by side. Include openings, door mounting and visible edges with the drawing. | Both faces, full edge and hardware / component reference. Request an 18 mm double-face sample |
| Workshop coating and edging | Raw veneer preparation and sanding, coating / stain / sheen reference, actual edge band or solid trim and the reverse-side finish. | Prepared face-to-trim joint under the intended light. Request a finished-edge trial sample |
Choose the overall thickness from 3–30 mm with poplar, birch or eucalyptus cores. Name the face veneer thickness, inner lay-up, final tolerance and bond / emission requirements with the selected component.
Wall layout: access door, corner return and spare faces
Number the main faces P01–P03, the access door A01 and return R01. Mark the top and grain direction before cutting. Allocate matching leaves across the visible joins, including the access door, and select spare faces with the original set.
Documents
Sapele construction and finishing information
Request the veneer cut and thickness, plywood core, bond and emission data for the selected panel. Add the finish reference and numbered matching layout for visible sets.
Detailed requests: veneer construction, finishing and matching
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| Purchase detail | Information to compare | Request for the proposed item |
|---|---|---|
| Veneer and full construction | Sapele identity, cut and veneer gauge; reverse, all inner species / layer gauges, adhesive / bond data, overall dimensions / tolerances and relevant emission method. | The offered panel linked to the physical face and construction reference. Request the double-face construction data |
| Finish and edge junction | Preparation and sanding allowance, intended coating / stain, sheen, reverse finish, edge / solid trim and care instructions. | Processing information with the selected face-to-edge working detail. Request the veneer finishing details |
| Matching set and repeat order | Leaf arrangement, appearance range, numbered elevation, grain arrows, access panels / returns, drawing revision, selected spares and pack allocation. | The proposed set schedule beside the retained veneer and coating references. Request the matching-set information |
Product data & reports to request
Request a technical data sheet covering:Face/back grade, core species and lay-up, bond, thickness tolerance and the agreed surface finish.Include these specification details:- Sapele veneer identity, cut, face thickness, reverse face and finished appearance reference.
- Core construction, nominal panel thickness, tolerances and required bond or emission information.
- Matching layout, grain orientation, coating process, edging and selected sample references.
Company documents to view
FSC chain of custody Wood panels · purchase & salesISO 9001 & ISO 14001 Management systems · stated sales activitiesEN 13986 plywood document Non-structural scope · listed modelsView our company certificates alongside the technical data for your selected panel.Furniture & interior panels: what to match
- Technical data
- Face/back grade, core species and lay-up, bond, thickness tolerance and the agreed surface finish.
- Emissions
- For covered hardwood plywood entering the US, request TSCA Title VI certification or applicable exemption documentation, with producer and product identification. For other markets, specify the required emission class and test method. For European furniture and wood-based articles, include the applicable REACH Entry 77 / Appendix 14 emission requirements.
- Sample match
- Connect the data sheet and reports to the proposed construction, thickness and sample reference.
BEFORE YOU ORDER
Ordering information
- Minimum order
- 1 container
- Production time
- 7–15 days
- Samples
- Free samples
- Delivery terms
- FOB Qingdao / Lianyungang
USD 400–750 / m³ FOB Qingdao / Lianyungang
CUZI · Available to order · Raw materials in stock
Made to order · Production: 7–15 days · Warranty: 180 days
Container shipping by sea. Custom specifications and sizes available; ocean freight quoted separately.
Sample freight & order notes
- Minimum order: Mixed loads available.
- Production time: Made to your order; sea transit is additional.
- Samples: Buyer pays freight; full credit on a formal order.
- Delivery terms: Container shipping by sea.
Quality & trial
Compare adjacent faces with the actual finish
Use two adjoining faces and the intended trim for the sample review. Apply the chosen coating, view them from the main and side approaches under the room lighting, and check the joint. Keep that finished pair with the panel map.
Request sapele plywood samplesVeneer, finish and matching checklist
| Check | Record during evaluation |
|---|---|
| Veneer & figure | Face identity, cut, grain character, sample range and permissible colour or face variation. |
| Orientation & light | Panel top and face, adjacent samples, viewing positions, room lighting and finished comparison. |
| Core & fabrication | Core, panel and face thickness, reverse face, machining, mounting and dimensional fit. |
| Trim & coating | Edge or solid-trim material, joint and return detail, preparation, coating or stain and sheen. |
| Sequence & repeat | Panel map, door or furniture groups, grain arrows, drawing revision and retained item references. |
| Packs & spares | Matching-group labels, selected spare faces, protection, bundle quantities and receiving observations. |
FAQ
Your sapele plywood buying questions.
What is Sapele plywood, and is it the same as Sapelli plywood?
Sapele plywood has a natural Sapele wood face over a plywood core. Sapelli is another spelling used for the same decorative wood. CUZI supplies Sapele veneer on poplar, birch or eucalyptus cores; the face name does not mean every layer is Sapele.
Which thicknesses and sheet sizes can I order?
Choose 3–30 mm panels with one or two Sapele faces. Regular sizes are 1220 × 2440, 1250 × 2500 and 1525 × 3050 mm. Larger formats, including 1220 × 3050 and 1250 × 3660 mm, and cut-to-size panels are available on request. Include grain direction with the dimensions.
Can Sapele plywood be used for marine joinery?
Yes, with a marine panel construction selected for the application. A Sapele decorative face alone does not establish a marine grade. Use our marine plywood range to specify the core, bond, required standard and protective coating for your boat component.
How do I choose ribbon grain, book matching or slip matching?
Ribbon grain describes the appearance of the veneer; quarter slicing can produce a pronounced stripe. Book matching mirrors adjacent veneer leaves, while slip matching repeats their orientation. Compare the matching options with a finished sample and mark the grain direction on your drawing.
What matters for a continuous Sapele wall finish?
A continuous wall needs a numbered panel sequence, consistent grain direction and a coordinated finished veneer range. Include access doors, corners and returns in the same layout. Review adjoining faces under the room lighting and select spare faces with the original matching group.
Can I match the veneer to solid trim or an existing finish?
Yes. We use your trim or finish reference to select the veneer appearance for a face-and-edge sample. Compare the actual coating, sheen and joint under the intended light. Natural veneer and solid wood vary, so agree a coordinated colour range rather than an identical colour on every piece.
How is Sapele plywood priced?
Prices are in USD per m³, FOB Qingdao / Lianyungang. Your quotation covers the selected face, core, thickness, sheet sizes and quantities. Add matching, cutting or finishing work to the same request; send the destination port for a CIF quotation.
Can I get a sample before placing an order?
Yes. Samples are free; you pay courier freight, which is credited in full against your formal order. For matched furniture or wall panels, request adjacent faces with the intended finish and edge detail.
Can I combine Sapele plywood with other panels?
Yes. The minimum order is one container, with mixed loads available. List quantities by product and keep numbered Sapele sets identifiable within the shipment.
What are the production time, payment and warranty terms?
We produce to your order in 7–15 days and ship by sea container. FOB Qingdao / Lianyungang and CIF quotations are available. We accept T/T and L/C, with payment stages agreed in the order; the warranty is 180 days. See the ordering information.
Why can adjoining Sapele panels look lighter and darker?
Grain direction, veneer orientation, coating and viewing angle affect the reflected light. Book matching reverses alternate leaves, so adjoining faces can show a light-and-dark effect. Compare the finished pair in its installed orientation before changing the stain; slip matching keeps successive leaves facing the same way.
Further reading: Book match or slip match: prepare the veneer order or Natural veneer approval: build an appearance range board. Compare your shortlisted panels.
Request a quote
Send the grain reference. We can build from there.
Start with the application, thickness, quantity and destination you know. Open the outline to add the matching layout, coating and panel details when you are ready.
Open the sapele plywood inquiry outline
I would like a quotation for Sapele Plywood. Application / destination: Thickness / sheet or finished part size: Veneer cut / appearance / matching: Core / bond / visible faces: Edges / finish / component drawing: Quantity / mixed-load items / spares: Samples or product documents needed: Packing / FOB or CIF port / required date:
Use decorative sequence planning for connected panels. Compare walnut plywood when exploring another wood character, keeping the same drawing and intended finish in the selection.
Item mix and repeat orders
Group adjacent wall panels and door pairs together in the order. Natural veneer varies between batches: keep finished samples and select repair spares with the original matching set. Use the repeat-order guide for changes to an established item.
Packing and receiving
Identify matching groups and panel numbers on the packing schedule. Protect the visible faces and edges, then check labels, quantities and surface condition at receipt before cutting.
