Wenge
Millettia laurentii · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central Africa (primarily Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Tanzania).
- Hardness
- 1,630 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay. It is also quite resistant to termite attack, making it suitable for high-traffic or outdoor-adjacent use.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a medium to coarse texture. Often shows a very characteristic pattern of alternating dark brown heartwood and light brown parenchyma bands, resulting in a "partridge wood" look or a fine, dark streakiness when quarter-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is medium brown, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish hue, with nearly black streaks. When finished, it often turns nearly black. Sapwood is a pale white to yellowish beige. The wood exhibits low natural luster but has a distinct, rich darkness that deepens with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,630 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Excellent resistance to rot and fungal decay. It is also quite resistant to termite attack, making it suitable for high-traffic or outdoor-adjacent use.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $25.00 - $40.00 per board foot depending on thickness and figuring.
- Wood Age Estimate
- 5-15 years post-processing. The oxidation level suggests it has matured to its signature dark chocolate/black tone, likely having been milled and finished several years ago.
- Sustainability Status
- Listed on the IUCN Red List as Endangered due to a population reduction of over 50% in the last three generations. Not CITES listed but subject to export restrictions in several African nations.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments (especially guitar fingerboards and bass necks), paneling, turned objects, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (primarily Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Tanzania).
Workability
Difficult to work with hand and machine tools. It blunts cutting edges quickly and is prone to splintering/tearing out during planing. It is notorious for producing very large, painful splinters that can become infected easily. Glue-up can be difficult due to natural oils.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for drying oils (tung or linseed) or wax to highlight the open grain. If a smooth film is desired, grain filler is required. Polyurethane is also common but can look plastic-like on this specific texture.
Notable Features
Distinctive faint, slightly bitter scent when being worked. Dulling effect on tools is high. Dust is a known irritant to skin and respiratory systems. Very high strength-to-weight ratio.
