One of the finest ‘Mahogany’ type hardwoods available from Africa today. It is available in good length & width specifications. Utile has a wide natural distribution in tropical Africa. It occurs in the Ivory Coast, in the Cameroons, & in Liberia, Gabon and Uganda. The tree grows chiefly in the moist, deciduous high forest.
Entandrophragma utile
Family: Meliaceae
Comercial names: Sipo
Distribution: West & East Africa
General Description: The heartwood matures from pink-brown when fresh cut to deep red-brown. The grain is interlocked to rather irregular, producing a wide irregular striped figure on quartered surfaces. Weight varies from 550-750kg/m3 (34-47lb/ft3), but averages 660kg/m3 (4lb/ft3); specific gravity .6. Texture, uniformly moderate.
Mechanical Properties: This heavy density wood has only medium bending strength and a high crushing strength with low stiffness and resistance to shock loads.
Seasoning: This hardwood dries fairly rapidly with a tendancy for some twisting to occur. If allowed to dry moderately slowly the degrade is not severe. Original shakes tend to extend. There is medium movement in service.
Durability: It is extremely resistant to preservative treatment & resistant to decay. Its strength properties are similar to those of American mahogany.
Uses: Furniture & cabinet making, counter tops, high-class exterior & interior joinery, flooring, boat building & planking, musical instuments, sports goods & general construction work. We occasionally opt to use this hardwood in the construction of our hardwood conservatories & orangeries.
Comments: One of the finest Mahogany type timber available from Africa today. Although more expensive compared to some other hardwoods it still remains in good supply & is selcted from saw mills who have a strict agreement with the FDC (Forest Stewardship Council). |
