What is Utile?
Utile, otherwise known as Sipo, is another common wood that is used as a Mahogany alternative and is often considered to be the closest resemblance to Genuine Mahogany. A member of the family Meliaceae, Utile can grow up to 200 feet tall with a trunk diameter of up to 5 feet.
Like Sapele and Mahogany, it too has interlocking grains that give it a banded look with both light and dark colors. It has a medium, uniform texture that shows off its moderate natural luster. Its heartwood is an even reddish-brown color while its sapwood is well defined as a pale yellow color. Although Utile is closely related, it does not display the dramatic figuring of grain that is typical in Sapele.
Why Choose Utile?
Utile is quickly becoming the most desired Mahogany alternative for many reasons. It is lighter than Sapele, closer resembling the weight of Genuine Mahogany. It is also softer than Sapele, making it easier to work.
Quarter sawn, Utile resembles the gorgeous ribbon striping, but flat sawn, it is nearly identical to Genuine Mahogany. Because of the size of the Utile tree, obtaining large material is relatively easy. In fact, it is quite common to have access to 12/4 boards that are 12” or larger in width.
Utile is sold as its own, single species which makes it much more consistent than the conglomerate market of Khaya (it belongs to the same genus as Sapele) that includes seven different species. To put it simply, Utile combines the best attributes of all the Genuine Mahogany alternates and can be purchased for nearly half the price of Genuine Mahogany.
Utile in Woodworking
Utile is softer and easier to work than Sapele, Genuine Mahogany, or any other Mahogany alternatives and all around has better building properties. It is commonly used in flooring, furniture, cabinetry, millwork and casework, veneers, and even in boat construction. If proper care is not taken during machining, a tear out can occur but the odds are much less than with other Mahogany relatives.
It takes nails and screws well, and turns, glues, and finishes excellently. One of our favorite attributes of Utile is that it does not warp or twist as easy as Genuine Mahogany or its family members. If a client requests a larger project like custom doors or cabinetry, we will usually try to use Utile in its place because of its shape retention and durability – not to mention its beauty!
Like the look? Contact us about getting started on your own custom piece using this Wood of the Week.