Melina is one of the best timbers of the tropics.  Graveyard tests indicate that the untreated timber may last 15 years in contact with the soil. It seasons well without degrading, but it is slow to dry both in the open and in a kiln. Where it is indigenous, it is regarded as a valuable general purpose wood because of its dimensional stability.

A rare combination of superior physical and mechanical properties makes T. grandis a paragon of timber, and there is no likelihood of it being eclipsed by any other. The wood is a medium weight timber that is rather soft and has a characteristic appearance. Grain is straight, wavy or slightly interlocked, with rather coarse and uneven texture.

Heartwood is uniform pale pinkish or pinkish brown when freshly cut, becoming light to dark reddish brown on exposure; sharply demarcated from yellowish sapwood. Grain straight to slightly interlocked; texture medium; luster rather low. The heartwood is without distinctive odor but sometimes with a slightly astringent taste.

Flowers produce abundant nectar, which produces high-quality honey. The wood is used in carriages, carvings, musical instruments, and ornamental work. Also used in particle board, plywood core stock, pit props, matches, and saw timber for light construction, furniture, general carpentry, and packing.

Being classified as very resistant, the wood is excellent timber for bridge building and other construction in contact with water such as docks, quays, piers and floodgates in fresh water. It is particularly suitable for interior and exterior joinery, windows, solid panel doors and framing.  It is also used quite extensively for garden furniture.

Used locally for general construction, interior finish, millwork, furniture stock, veneer and plywood, particleboard, and pulp and paper products. Boundary or barrier or support: In Costa Rica and Nicaragua the establishment of living fencerows from vegetative propagated stakes is common practice, with spacings ranging from 2-5 m.