• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Strategicia

Initiate. Inspire. Innovate.

  • Home
  • Topics
    • Family
    • Health & Fitness
    • Education
    • Furniture
    • Technology
    • Business
    • Financial
    • Marketing
    • Transportation
    • Construction
  • Ask a Question
  • Contact Us

Utile/Sipo: Affordable Alternative to Genuine Mahogany

Last updated on September 18, 2019 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

flat and quartersawn utile
Flat (left) & quartersawn (right) Utile

As prices climb for certain exotic hardwood species and availability becomes scarce or even nonexistent, alternatives to these species begin to grow in popularity. A species of wood known interchangeably within the lumber industry as either “Utile” or “Sipo” has found a growing market as an alternative to Genuine Mahogany. This Mahogany-like species originates in Africa. A number of lumber yards throughout the United States carry lumber hewn from this durable hardwood tree. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this up-and-coming species and find out why it has caught the attention of consumers and contractors alike.

Utile/Sipo is Popular Because of its Resemblance to Genuine Mahogany

Consumers want the look of Genuine Mahogany without the high price tag. That’s where alternatives like Utile/Sipo really tend to shine. They can give the illusion of luxury at a fraction of the cost.
This strikingly beautiful hardwood features an interlocking grain. This characteristic is often seen in African hardwoods. It consists of bands of alternating dark and light grains. Compared to the interlocking grain pattern of Genuine Mahogany, Utile/Sipo’s bands appear somewhat muted.

Utile/Sipo Tears Less than Genuine Mahogany

In spite of being less expensive than Genuine Mahogany, Utile/Sipo is actually easier to work with than the famous species it’s used to imitate. That’s because it has less of a tendency to tear when it’s being worked with than either Genuine Mahogany or many of the other African hardwood Mahogany-like species. That makes it a prime choice from a woodworking standpoint. This is especially the case when it’s being used in applications that require staining or clear coating.

utile versus genuine mahogany
Utile (left) versus Genuine Mahogany (right)

Utile/Sipo has a Comparable Hardness to African Mahogany & Genuine Mahogany

When it comes to the hardness of the wood, Utile/Sipo falls between Genuine Mahogany and African Mahogany. This feature puts it up even higher on the list of choices to use as an alternative to Genuine Mahogany.

Utile/Sipo has Faced Availability Challenges in the Past

There have been times where Utile/Sipo was difficult to come by because of problems with sustainability and vulnerability. Thankfully, due to the efforts of those who have sought to enact and enforce better sustainability practices at locations where this exotic hardwood is sourced, it has been making a comeback. In recent years, this species has seen a large increase in availability, which continues to help keep the cost down.

Utile/Sipo’s Quality Varies Greatly Depending on the Region From Which it is Imported

Reputable lumber dealers try to get the best quality Utile/Sipo for their customers, but there is a huge amount of variability when it comes to the quality of available specimens. It is sold to be used in a number of different applications, from cabinetry to millwork, to home exteriors.

With an appearance and durability that mimics Genuine Mahogany at a lower price, consumers continue to be enthusiastic about embracing this beautiful African exotic hardwood species. Why pay more when you can have the look and feel of Genuine Mahogany without having to pay such high prices? With Utile/Sipo you can enjoy lower prices without having to compromise on quality.

J. Gibson McIlvain Company

As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House, Capitol building, luxury yachts, Supreme Court, celebrity homes, and Smithsonian museums. For more information on J. Gibson McIlvain’s lumber products and services, call toll free (800) 638-9100 Monday-Friday to speak with one of their lumber reps.

Filed Under: Construction, Lumber

Additional Articles

air drying lumber
When Buying Larger Size Lumber Is Actually Cheaper, Part 3
forklift loading kiln at mcilvain
When Buying Larger Size Lumber Is Actually Cheaper, Part 2
freshly cut wooden boards stacked at lumber mill
When Buying Larger Size Lumber Is Actually Cheaper, Part 1
freshly cut wooden boards stacked at lumber mill
What Species of Wood is Ideal for Painted Projects?
How Lumber Imports Help Rainforest Conservation Efforts, Part 2
bulldozer lumber claw moving logs
How Lumber Imports Help Rainforest Conservation Efforts, Part 1

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

thirteen − five =



Primary Sidebar

Quality wood products
Plywood options

Featured Articles

  • Genuine Mahogany vs. African Mahogany: What’s the Difference?
  • Why Teak Wood Has Been a Favorite Wood for Centuries
  • Plantation-Grown Fijian Mahogany: A Surprisingly Ideal Alternative to Genuine Mahogany
  • Ipe Decking: Should you use Face Screwed or Hidden Fasteners?
  • Plywood Core Issues – The Quality Behind Premium Plywood
  • Composite vs Hardwood Decking: Hardness & Fire Ratings
  • Excellent Tropical Hardwood Decking Species: 4 Options You’ll Adore
  • The Color of Quality Decks: Realizing the Beauty of Truly Green Building Products
  • The Color of Quality Decks: Addressing Natural Color Variation
  • How Extractives Impact the Color & Stain of Wood
Lyon Financial
Tropical decking

Popular Articles

  • Effects of Television on Teenagers
  • Evaluating Gym Air Quality: Why Chalk Is and Isn’t the Problem
  • Modern Perforating Techniques Used by Metal Manufacturers & Fabricators
  • How the All-New X10 HUB Builds on Already-Amazing Technology
  • Part 1: Selling a Limousine Business 101
  • Benefits of a Salt Water Hot Tub
  • What You Need To Know Before Buying a Pool Waterslide
  • Swimming Pool Additions: All About Climbing Walls
  • The Gymnast’s Diet: Why You Should Avoid Nitrates & Nitrites
  • The Gymnast’s Diet: Why You Should Avoid Refined Flours and Sugars

Reader Feedback

  • Mitch Shearer on How the All-New X10 HUB Builds on Already-Amazing Technology
  • Alec Burns on Health Benefits of Having Your Own Backyard Swimming Pool
  • Welded Mesh on Modern Perforating Techniques Used by Metal Manufacturers & Fabricators
  • Tyler Johnson on Top 3 Pool Maintenance Tasks – and Suggestions on How To Do Them
  • Kate Hansen on Health Benefits of Having Your Own Backyard Swimming Pool

Copyright © 2023 Sozo Firm Inc · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Sitemap