Niové is fairly easy to work with hand and machine tools, despite its hardness. It can be brought to a smooth finish. It is used for a range of purposes including turnery, cabinet making, high-class furniture, heavy construction, joinery, panelling, industrial flooring, shipbuilding, railway sleepers, walking sticks etc.

Niové is red-brown to orange-brown with darker brown streaks. The texture is fine; the grain straight, sometimes wavy. The wood is heavy; moderately hard to very hard; very durable.  Freshly cut, Niové has a peppery smell.