Wenge
Millettia laurentii • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight to interlocked grain with a very coarse texture and large pores. Features characteristic light brown parenchyma bands that create a distinct 'partridge wood' or 'zebra' streaking when flat-sawn.
Color Description
Heartwood is a medium brown, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish hue, with nearly black streaks. Upon application of a finish, the wood can become almost entirely black. Sapwood is distinct, usually a pale yellow or white.
Hardness Rating
1,630 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to termite attack and decay. Suitable for outdoor and high-traffic use.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments (especially bass guitars), turned objects, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Tanzania)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $40.00 per board foot depending on width and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be modern, rough-milled stock, likely under 5 years old based on the lack of oxidation and fresh mechanical surface texture.
Sustainability Status
Endangered (IUCN Red List); not CITES listed but population is declining due to over-harvesting; FSC certification is available but rare.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand tools due to its hardness and density. Pores are large and often require grain filler. It has a high blunting effect on cutters. Dust from sanding can be a respiratory irritant and potentially toxic.
Notable Features
Distinctive dark brown to black coloration; very heavy and dense; poses a risk of splinters which can easily become septic; dust is a known sensitizer.
Finish Recommendations
Oil finishes (tung or linseed) enhance the dark color, but polyurethane is often used for flooring; grain filling is highly recommended if a smooth surface is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of very dark chocolate-colored heartwood, coarse open pores, and the specific thin light-colored parenchyma bands is diagnostic for Millettia laurentii.