Wenge
Millettia laurentii · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central Africa, primarily native to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea.
- Hardness
- 1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent natural resistance to rot, decay, termites, and fungal attack.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with coarse texture; distinctive alternating light and dark parenchymal bands creating a feathered or partridge-wing figure.
Color & Appearance
Medium to dark chocolate brown heartwood with blackish veins, fine lighter reddish-brown soft tissue stripes, and dull luster. Tends to darken with exposure to light and age.
Hardness (Janka)
1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent natural resistance to rot, decay, termites, and fungal attack.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $20.00 to $35.00 per board foot depending on thickness, clarity, and sourcing certification.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Milled modern lumber sample, likely under 10 years old based on clean mill cuts and even surface oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to population reduction from commercial exploitation over the last three generations. Not currently listed on CITES appendices.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, fine cabinetry, architectural millwork, luxury flooring, musical instruments (especially bass fingerboards and guitar necks), turnings, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa, primarily native to the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand and machine tools. Has strong dulling effect on cutters due to density. Splinters easily along the grain; dust can cause severe respiratory irritation and dermatitis.
Finish Recommendations
Pre-seal with shellac or solvent-borne sealer to prevent natural resin blooming; oil, polyurethane, or clear lacquer finishes work well. Open pores require filling if a glass-smooth finish is desired.
Notable Features
Extremely dense and heavy with high dimensional stability; splinter-prone; distinctive contrasting dark brown and black striped figure; known allergen inducing strong allergic reactions.
