Utile:

Below you will find information about some of the timber I use in the making of Chairs, and other furniture. (some of it may not be avalable in your area.)

Utile:

• "Etandrophragma utile"

Other Names:

• Sipo (Ivory Coast).
• Assie (Cameroons).

Sources:

• Africa.

Tree Characteristics:

• A large tree , some 150ft in height, producing a straight cylindrical trunk about 6ft 6in in diameter.

Characteristics of the wood:

• A medium textured wood, usually with interloced grain producing a ribbon striped figure when quarter sawn.
• It is pingish brown in colour when freshly cut, turning redish brown on exposure.
• It is a moderately strong wood and durable.

Workability:

• It works well with hand and machine tools, but the ribbon striped figure can tear when planing.
• It glues well.

Average dried weight:

• 41lb/cuft.

Finishing:

• It stains and polishes well.

Common uses:

• Furniture.
• Interior and exterior joinery.
• Boatbuilding.
• Flooring.
• Plywood.
• Veneer.