Sapele heartwood takes on a deep, red brown colour when exposed to light. The grain is straight to irregular. Sapele is easy to work and has a medium coarse texture. Good surface treatment is nevertheless possible under certain conditions. Cracking can occur during the sapele drying process.

Sapele is ideal for the production of door and window frames. Sapele is also widely used to manufacture and produce furniture, stairs, parquet floors and façades.