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Sapele cabinet door and drawer front showcasing deep reddish tone and striking ribbon-like grain

Sapele Cabinet Doors and Drawer Fronts — African Elegance with a Fine Ribbon Grain

Precision mortise and tenon joinery detail in sapele cabinet door showing ribbon grain alignment

Traditional Strength Meets Modern Design

Each door is assembled using classic mortise and tenon joinery for optimal strength and long-term stability. The interlocked grain of sapele is matched carefully to create a consistent and refined appearance.

Sophisticated Looks. Hardwood Performance.

Sapele is a premium African hardwood admired for its interlocked grain and lustrous finish. Its rich reddish-brown color and natural chatoyance make it a favorite for luxury cabinetry. Sapele offers both beauty and resilience, making it a smart choice for elegant kitchens and upscale interiors.

Price per ft2:

$

50.80

Tall Entandrophragma cylindricum - sapele tree with straight trunk and broad canopy growing in a West African forest

Why Sapele is a Top Choice for Designers

Origin:

Native to tropical Africa, especially the Congo Basin, sapele is a sustainably harvested hardwood with global acclaim.

Main futures:

Medium-to-high hardness. Smooth texture with interlocked ribbon grain. Deep red-brown color that polishes beautifully. Accepts stains and clear finishes well but not used for paint-grade applications.

Perfect projects:

Ideal for premium kitchen cabinetry, built-ins, executive offices, and any space requiring a showstopping finish.

Close-up of sapele wood grain highlighting natural ribbon effect and reddish-brown color

Comparison of wood hardness
according to the Janka table

Texture
Material
Type
Janka Hardness
Comment
Purpleheart
Very Hardwood
2520 lbf
Extremely dense, difficult to process
Zebrawood
Hardwood
1570 lbf
Exotic, well polished
Maple
Hardwood
1450 lbf
High density, more difficult to mill
Sapele
Hardwood
1410 lbf
African hardwood, wear-resistant
White Oak
Hardwood
1360 lbf
Even harder, more moisture resistant, better aesthetics
Red Oak
Hardwood
1290 lbf
Scratch-resistant, a classic for kitchens
Mahogany
Hardwood
~ 900 lbf
Partially soft, but very stable
Teak
Hardwood
1070 lbf
Oil structure, good for humidity
Black Walnut
Hardwood
1010 lbf
Known for its stability and aesthetics
Cherry
Hardwood
995 lbf
Medium hardness, very stable
MDF (HDF - correctly)
Composite
~ 700 lbf
Depends on the manufacturer, similar to Alder
Alder
Softwood
590 lbf
Very stable wood
Pine
Softwood
380 lbf
Cheap, soft and resinous wood
Poplar
Softwood
540 lbf
Very easy to handle, good choice for painting

Engineered Beauty with Lasting Impact

Front Design Styles
Frame & Panel Profiles
Edge Profiles
Sapele glass-ready cabinet door frame with rich color and ribbon grain, crafted with precision for elegant storage solutions
Sapele glass-ready cabinet door frame with rich color and ribbon grain, crafted with precision for elegant storage solutions

Glass Frame Options for Sapele Cabinetry

Possibility to order doors with a glass opening
Suitable for upper cabinets, display units or built-in modules
Without glass and with milled groove
Would you like
to discuss your order?

More Doors and Drawers

More Doors and Drawers

Heritage Collection
shaker-style-hickory-wood-cabinet-door-and-drawer-front-view.jpg
shaker-style-cherry-wood-cabinet-door-and-drawer-front-view.jpg
shaker-style-maple-wood-cabinet-door-and-drawer-front-view.jpg
shaker-style-alder-wood-cabinet-door-and-drawer-front-view.jpg

FAQ

1 / How do I measure correctly for my order?

The easiest way to measure your cabinet doors is to measure the actual opening that it will cover then add the appropriate overlay. The overlay is the amount of the cabinet face frame that the door covers. We typically recommend 1/2" overlay and stock 1/2" overlay concealed hinges. You will want to measure the cabinet opening width and height then add 1" to each to calculate the finished door or drawer front size. We will be happy to assist you with final sizes if you provide the opening dimensions!

2 / Can I order custom sizes?

Absolutely – we cut every door to your specifications, including hinge boring upon request.

3 / What is the production and delivery time?

Our lead time is 7-10 business days plus shipping time.

4 / Do you offer installation services?

At this time, we only offer installation services for local customers within a 60 mile radius. These fees are calculated by the location and scope of work to be completed.

5 / What are the warranty and return policies?

We warranty all manufactured products for one year from the date of shipment. This warranty is good for the construction of all products manufactured by Kitchen Outfitters. We are not liable for damages caused by improper handling or storage. All shortages, incorrect sizes, and damages due to shipping must be reported within 5 business days of receiving the shipment. All orders will be processed within 24 hours and are non-cancelable and no-refundable after 24 hours, due to the custom nature of the product. 

6 / How should I care for my cabinet doors and cabinets?

We recommend regularly cleaning with a mild soap and water solution. Always use a soft cloth like microfiber. Also, avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive materials.

7 / Can I modify my order after placing it?

Orders can only be modified within 24 hours of placing the order. Any changes after that time will be considered an "add-on" order.

8 / Do you have a showroom or product samples available?

We do have a showroom at our location with samples of the products we manufacture. We also accept appointments for design consultations.

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