Despite its hardness, Sapelli is considered to be a quite workable timber. It is not very pliable, and is susceptible to the effects to weather. The wood is widely-used and has many applications. Both flat sawn and (in particular) quartersawn planes reveal an attractive wavy structure that can be used to produce decorative veneers, as well as wall and ceiling paneling. Sapelli is also used for a variety of solid-wood purposes: ship construction, furniture, staircases, and flooring. Additionally, it is employed for artistic carpentry work and the making of musical instruments (violins for example). Local people in Africa use this wood to build canoes and other types of boats.