Wenge
Millettia laurentii • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a very coarse texture; exhibits a distinct 'partridge wood' figure when flatsawn, though this sample shows a tighter, linear turned orientation.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood with blackish-brown streaks. The wood has a low natural luster and can become nearly black when oil finishes are applied. The lighter streaks are parenchyma tissue.
Hardness Rating
1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to termite attack and fungal decay. Excellent for high-wear environments.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments (bass guitar necks/fingerboards), turning (pens, tool handles), and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (primarily Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $40.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly turned; the crispness of the fibers and lack of deep oxidation/patina suggest a modern kiln-dried blank recently processed on the lathe.
Sustainability Status
Endangered (IUCN Red List); not currently CITES listed but regulated in some regions. Sustainable FSC sources are limited due to regional instability.
Workability
Difficult. It is very hard and causes significant dulling of cutters. It is prone to splintering and 'tearout' during turning or planing. Dust is a known irritant to skin and lungs.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'chocolate and cream' streaking; the dust is very dark and can cause skin/respiratory reactions (sensitizer). It has high shock resistance and is very heavy.
Finish Recommendations
Requires grain filler if a smooth surface is desired due to large pores. Responds best to oil finishes (Tung or Danish oil) to deepen the dark color, or clear polyurethane for wear resistance.
Identification Confidence
High; the alternating dark heartwood and light parenchyma bands, combined with the coarse texture and the way the wood is behaving on the lathe, are classic hallmarks of Millettia laurentii.