Utile (also known as Sipo Mahogany)
Entandrophragma utile • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Usually interlocked, sometimes wavy; has a fairly uniform texture with a slight ribbon-stripe figure when quarter-sawn. The sample shows a rough-sawn surface with prominent saw marks.
Color Description
Heartwood is a medium to dark reddish-brown. Sapwood is distinctively pale yellow. Darkens with age and exposure to light; possesses a natural luster and subtle golden chatoyance when finished.
Hardness Rating
1,260 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; good resistance to rot and decay, though moderately susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boat building, flooring, high-end joinery, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
West and Central Africa
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $15.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent harvest (less than 5-10 years) based on the freshness of the rough-sawn fibers and lack of deep oxidation or graying.
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List); not currently CITES listed but often subject to timber legality regulations.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though interlocked grain can cause tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Faint cedar-like scent when being worked; contains lower levels of silica than some related African species, reducing tool blunting.
Finish Recommendations
Accepts most finishes well. Penetrating oils or clear lacquers are recommended to highlight the deep reddish tones and ribbon figure.
Identification Confidence
Medium-High. The color saturation, broad visible pores, and fiber texture are very characteristic of the Entandrophragma genus, specifically Utile.