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Blunting Effect Boring Carving Certified Source Comments Common Names Common Uses Countries of Distribution Cutting Resistance Distribution Overview Drying Defects Ease of Drying Environmental Profile Family Name Gluing Grain Heartwood Color Kiln Drying Rate Kiln Schedules Luster Mortising Moulding Movement in Service Nailing Natural Durability Numerical Data Odor Painting Planing Polishing Product Sources References Regions of Distribution Resistance to Impregnation Response to Hand Tools Routing & Recessing Sanding Sapwood Color Scientific Name Screwing Staining Steam Bending Strength Properties Substitutes Synonyms Texture Toxicity Trade Name Tree Identification Tree Size Turning Varnishing Veneering Qualities		Scientific Name Entandrophragma utile Trade Name Utile Family Name Meliaceae Synonyms Entandrophragma roburoides Common Names Abebay, Afrobrodiju, Akuk, Asseng assie, Assi, Assie, Bokoi, Budongo heavy mahogany, Efuchyewee, Efuo-konkonti, Efuobrodidwo, Efuodwe, Feather sapele, Kalungi, Kosi-kosi, Liboyo, Libuyu, M'vovo, Mebrou, Mfumbi, Mufumbi, Mufumbi mahogany, Muyovu, Okeong, Sapele mahogany, Sipo, Timbi, Tshimaie n'shibu, Tsimaie tshibu, Undianuno, Utile Regions of Distribution Africa Countries of Distribution  [VIEW MAP] Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, South Africa, Uganda, Zaire Common Uses Boat building (general), Boat building, Boat building: decking, Boat building: framing, Boxes and crates, Building materials, Cabinetmaking, Canoes, Chairs, Chests, Concealed parts (Furniture), Decorative plywood, Decorative veneer, Desks, Dining-room furniture, Dowell pins, Dowells, Drawer sides, Excelsior, Figured veneer, Fine furniture, Floor lamps, Flooring, Flooring: industrial heavy traffic, Furniture , Furniture components, Furniture squares or stock, Furniture, Hatracks, Heavy construction, Interior construction, Joinery (external): ground contact, Joinery, Kitchen cabinets, Lifeboats, Light construction, Living-room suites, Moldings, Office furniture, Paneling , Paneling, Plywood, Radio - stereo - TV cabinets, Rustic furniture, Shipbuilding, Stair rails, Stairworks, Stools, Stringers, Tables , Tables, Turnery, Utility furniture, Vehicle parts, Veneer, Veneer: decorative, Wainscotting Environmental Profile Status unknown in many of its growth areas Generally secure within most of its natural habitat, but note exceptions. Data source is World Conservation Monitoring Center Classified as Endangered in Liberia and Uganda, while its status is rated as Vulnerable in Cameroon and the Ivory Coast Distribution Overview Angola, Cameroon, Congo, Côte d'Ivoire, DR Congo, Gabon, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Uganda, in various lowland forest types. Heartwood Color Brown Red Yellow Purple Orange Reddish brown Purple Pale red to pink Brown Red Purplish brown Pale pink brown Sapwood Color White Yellow Well defined Pinkish Different than heartwood Light brown Clearly differentiated from the heartwood Up to 2 inches (0.50 cm) wide. Grain Interlocked Figure Distinct (figure) Stripe (figure) Rippled (figure) Growth rings (figure) Weak (figure) Interlocked Distinct figure Striped figure Weak figure Rippled figure Clear growth rings (figure) Ribbon figure or a wide, often irregular stripe on quartersawn surfaces Texture Coarse Medium Fine Medium to coarse Luster High Medium Pronounced Lustrous Natural Durability Very durable Resistant to termites Resistant to marine borers Susceptible to insect attack Resistant to powder post beetles Moderately durable Durable Susceptible to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Susceptible to attack from termites (Isoptera) Pinworms (ambrosia beetles) are commonly present Moderately resistant to termite (Isoptera) attack Susceptible to marine borer attack Resistant to attack from termites (Isoptera) Resistant to attack from powder post (Lyctid & Bostrychid) beetles Non durable Sapwood is susceptible to wood staining fungal attack Perishable Moderately resistant to marine borer attack Moderately resistant to attack by termites Moderately resistant to attack by marine borers Odor Faint cedar-like scent Toxicity Some toxic effects Dermatitic effects Kiln Schedules Dry at a slow speed Dry at a moderate speed Drying (speed) is fast Kiln Drying Rate (in days) is rather slow Drying Defects Distortion Checking Slight twist/warp Severe twisting/warping Moderate twist/warp Slight end splitting Varies considerably Slight surface checking Severe surface checking Severe end splitting Moderate cupping Ease of Drying Slowly Fairly Easy Easy Variable results. Moderate Difficult It kiln-dries satisfactorily with only slight degrade, except in material containing severely interlocked grain. Varies from slow to fairly rapid. Kiln Drying Rate Naturally dries slowly Slow (18-28 days for boards < 32 mm, to 52-84 days for boards >= 63 mm) Tree Identification Bole/stem form is buttressed Bole/stem form is cylindrical Bole/stem form is straight Bole/stem form is not buttressed Bole/stem form is fluted Tree Size Tree height is 30-40 m Trunk diameter is 100-150 cm Bole length is 10-20 m Trunk diameter is 150-200 cm Tree height is 40-50 m Tree height is 20-30 m Sapwood width is 0-5 cm Tree height is 10-20 m Bole length is 0-10 m Sapwood width is 5-10 cm Product Sources The ITTO reports that the species is an important and regular source of timber for export. Certified Source Certified Source Substitutes Light bosse (Guarea cedrata) and Dark bosse (Guarea thompsonii) are good substitutes in exterior joinery (windows). Crabwood (Carapa guianensis) is also similar in its properties. Comments Effect on Metals General finishing qualities are rated as good The wood may cause corrosion in iron and materials with iron content. Blunting Effect High to severe Moderate Blunting effect on machining is slight Blunting effect on machining is moderate Blunting effect on sawing dry wood is moderate Blunting effect on machining is variable Boring Poor to very poor results Fairly difficult to very difficult Difficult This wood works fairly easily with hand and machine tools but it may char during boring. Carving Poor to Very Poor Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Good results Cutting Resistance Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult to saw Cutting Resistance with dry wood is easy Low resistance Cutting resistance with dry wood is variable Gluing Fairly Easy to Very Easy Fair to Good Results Easy to glue Satisfactory gluing properties Mortising Poor to Very Poor Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Easy to mortise Difficult to mortise Good mortising properties Moulding Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Poor to Very Poor Results Easy to mould Difficult to mould Tends to tear where interlocked grain is present Reduced cutting angle is suggested Movement in Service Excellent Stability - Small Movement Medium Nailing Fair to Good Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Very Good to Excellent Results Easy to nail Holds nails well Good nailing properties Planing Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Poor to Very Poor Results Very Good to Excellent Results Fair to Good Results Easy to plane Difficult to plane A reduced cutting angle of 15 degrees has been recommended in planing material with interlocked grain. Resistance to Impregnation Permeable sapwood Resistant heartwood Resistant sapwood Permeable heartwood Heartwood is highly resistant Heartwood is resistant Response to Hand Tools Fairly Difficult to Difficult to Work Responds Poorly Easy to machine Responds well Routing & Recessing Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Poor to Very Poor Results Good in both routing and recessing. Sanding Very Good to Excellent Results Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Easy to sand Very good characteristics Screwing Fair to Good Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Very Good to Excellent Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Easy to screw Turning Poor to Very Poor Results Very Good to Excellent Results Fairly Difficult to Very Difficult Fair to Good Results Responds well Veneering Qualities Suitable for peeling Difficult to veneer Easy to cut Suitable for slicing Suitable for peeling Steam Bending Very poor Poor Painting Takes paint easily after pre-treatment Polishing Fair to Good Results Very Good to Excellent Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Good results Very good results Staining Finish is generally good Stains well Finish is generally satisfactory Varnishing Fair to Good Results Fairly Easy to Very Easy Pre-treatment needed or recommended Strength Properties Density (dry weight) = 38-45 lbs/cu. ft. Bending strength (MOR) = medium Hardness (side grain) = soft Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = low Max. crushing strength = high Max. crushing strength = medium Density (dry weight) = 31-37 lbs/cu. ft. Shrinkage, Radial = moderate Shrinkage, Tangential = small Shrinkage, Volumetric = moderate Shrinkage, Tangential = moderate Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = medium Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = low Shrinkage, Radial = fairly large Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = low Shrinkage, Volumetric = fairly large Shrinkage, Radial = small Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = very low Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = medium Bending strength (MOR) = high Shrinkage, Volumetric = small Shearing strength (parallel to grain) = very low Hardness (side grain) = very soft Toughness-Hammer drop (Impact Strength) = medium Toughness (total work) = very low Toughness (total work) = low Shrinkage, Volumetric = large Shrinkage, Tangential = large Shrinkage, Tangential = fairly large Shrinkage, Radial = large Modulus of Elasticity (stiffness) = high Max. crushing strength = low Bending strength (MOR) = very high Numerical Data Item Green Dry English Bending Strength 10715 15642 psi Density 40 lbs/ft3 Hardness 1104 lbs Impact Strength 28 28 inches Maximum Crushing Strength 5582 8184 psi Shearing Strength 2127 psi Stiffness 1427 1610 1000 psi Toughness 130 inch-lbs Work to Maximum Load 8 11 inch-lbs/in3 Specific Gravity 0.49 0.62 Weight 40 38 lbs/ft3 Radial Shrinkage 4 % Tangential Shrinkage 6 % Volumetric Shrinkage 11 % Item Green Dry Metric Bending Strength 753 1099 kg/cm2 Density 641 kg/m3 Hardness 500 kg Impact Strength 71 71 cm Maximum Crushing Strength 392 575 kg/cm2 Shearing Strength 149 kg/cm2 Stiffness 100 113 1000 kg/cm2 Toughness 149 cm-kg Work to Maximum Load 0.56 0.77 cm-kg/cm3 Specific Gravity 0.49 0.62 Weight 641 608 kg/m3 Radial Shrinkage 4 % Tangential Shrinkage 6 % References Armstrong, F.H.,1960,The Strength Properties of Timber,Forest Products Research Laboratory, London Bulletin,No.45 Banks, C.H., Schoeman, J.P., Otto, K.P.,1977,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with particular reference to South,Africa,South African Forestry Research Institute Bulletin,(Ed.,Schoeman, J.P. 1973 & Otto K.P. 1976,No.48 Banks, C.H.,1954,The Mechanical Properties of Timbers with Particular Reference to those,grown in the Union of South Africa,Journal of the South African Forestry Association,No. 24 pp.44-65,[South,African Forestry Journal] Bodig, J. and B. A. Jayne. 1982. Mechanics of Wood and Wood Composites. Van Nostrand Reinhold Company, New York. Bois et Forets des Tropiques,1973,Sipo - Entandrophragma utile,Bois et Forets des Tropiques,150,pp37-48 Bolza, E., Keating, W.G.,1972,African Timbers - the Properties, Uses and Characteristics of 700 Species,C.S.I.R.O. Div. of Building Research Brown, W.H.,1960,Aspects of Timber Seasoning - Properties of the Genus Entandrophragma,Timber Technology 68(2249, pp108 &115 Brown, W.H.,1969,Properties and uses of Tropical hardwoods in the United Kingdom. Part 1,Nonstructural properties and uses.,Conference on Tropical hardwoods SC-5/TN-5, Syracuse University Brown, W.H.,1978,Timbers of the World No.1 Africa,TRADA, Red Booklet Series Chudnoff, M.,1984,Tropical Timbers of the World,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Forest Products,Laboratory, Madison. 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Fouarge, J.,1970,Essais Physiques,Mecaniques et de Durabilite de Bois de la Republique,Democratique du Congo,I.N.E.A.C. Belgium Serie Technique,No.76 France - C.T.F.T./C.T.B.,1982,Guide pour le Choix des Essences Deroulables-pour la fabrication du,contreplaque,C.T.F.T./C.T.B. France France - C.T.F.T.,1961,Resultats des Observations et des Essais Effectues au CTFT sur Sipo,C.T.F.T. Information Technique,No.119 France - C.T.F.T.,1966,Bois Tropicaux,C.T.F.T. Publ.,12 France - C.T.F.T.,1973,Investigations and Tests carried out on Tropical Timber by several,Research Laboratories,CTFT Ghana - Timber Marketing Board,1969,Ghana Hardwoods,Timber Marketing Board HMSO. 1981. Handbook of Hardwoods, 2nd Edition. Revised by R.H. Farmer. Department of the Environment, Building Research Establishment, Princes Risborough Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire. Irvine, F.R.,1961,Woody Plants of Ghana,O.U.P. London ITTO. 1986. Tropical Timber Atlas, Volume 1 - Africa. International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) and Centre Technique Forestier Tropical (CTFT, 45bis, Avenue de la Belle Gabrielle, Nogent-sur-Marne Cedex, France. Jackson, A. and D. Day. 1991. Good Wood Handbook - The Woodworker's Guide to Identifying, Selecting and Using the Right Wood. Betterway Publications, Cincinnati, Ohio. Jay, B.A.,1968,Timbers of West Africa,TRADA, Red Booklet Series Kinloch, D., Miller, W.A.,1949,Gold Coast Timbers,Govt. Printer Gold Coast Kryn, J.M., Forbes, E.W.,1959,The Woods of Liberia,U.S.A. Department of Agriculture,Forest Products Laboratory, Madison,,Report No. 2159 Kukachka, B.F.,1970,Properties of Imported Tropical Woods,Forest Research Paper FPL 125 Lavers, G. M. 1966. The Strength Properties of Timbers. Forest Products Research Bulletin, No. 50. Ministry of Technology, Her Majesty's Stationery Office, London. Lavers, G.M.,1983,The Strength Properties of Timber (3rd ed. revised Moore G.L.,Forest Products Research Laboratory, Princes Risborough, Building Research,Establishment Report (formerly Bulletin No.50) Lebacq, L., Dechamps, R.,1967,Contribution a un Inventaire de Forets du Nord-kasai,Musee Royal de L'Afrique Centrale Belgium Annals Series 8 No.5 Lincoln, W.A. 1986. World Woods in Color. Linden Publishing Co. Inc., Fresno, California. Okigbo, L., Von Wendorff, G.,1964,Some Nigerian Woods (2nd Edition,Federal Ministry of Information Lagos Patterson, D.,1988,Commercial Timbers of the World, 5th Edition,Gower Technical Press Pieters, A.,1977,Essences Forestieres du Zaire,R.U.G. Gent Belguim Rendle, B.J.,1969,World Timbers (3 Vols.,Ernest Benn Ltd. London Revue des Bois et de ses Applications,1956,La Page des Bois Tropicaux - Sipo (Assie,Revue des Bois et de ses Applications,11(4,p33 Sallenave, P.,1955,Proprietes Phyiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux de l'Union Francaise,C.T.F.T Sallenave, P.,1964,Proprietes Physiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux (Premier Supplement,C.T.F.T. Publ.,no.23 Sallenave, P.,1971,Proprietes Physiques et Mecaniques des Bois Tropicaux (Deuxieme,Supplement,C.T.F.T. Sawyerr, J.S.,1960,The Silviculture and Utilization of Terminalia Spp., Entandrophragma Spp.,,Nauclea Spp.,Imperial Forestry Institute, Oxford Thesis Spalt, H.A., Stern, W.L.,1956,Survey of African woods 1,Tropical Woods,115(105,pp 13-38 Spalt, H.A., Stern, W.L.,1957,Survey of Africa Woods 3,Tropical Woods 16(107) pp92-128 Tack, C.H.,1953,Plywood and veneer species,Forest Department, Uganda. Technical Note 5/1953 Tack, C.H.,1969,Uganda Timbers,Govt. Printer Uganda Tailfer, Y.,1972,Les Acajous de la Foret Dense Zairoise leur Identification Forestiere,Musee Royale de L'Afrique Centrale Sciences Econo Takahashi, A.,1978,Compilation of Data on the Mechanical Properties of Foreign Woods (Part,III) Africa,Shimane University, Japan, Research Report on Foreign Wood No. 7 Thomas, A.V.,1964,Timbers Used in the Boat Building Industry A Survey,Department of Scientific and Industrial Research Forest Products Research,Laboratory Titmuss, F.H.,1965,Commercial Timbers of the World,Technical Press Ltd., London, 3rd edition Uganda Forest Department,1954,Endandrophragma Spp.,Uganda Forest Department Timber Leaflet No.14 Weddell, E.,1960,A Study of the Influence of Interlocked Grain on the Bending Strength of,Timber,TRADA, Research Report, E/RR/14 Wood, B., Calnan, D.,1976,Toxic Woods,British Journal of Dermat 94 Suppl. 13