Wenge
Millettia laurentii • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Very straight and coarse with a distinctive, tight regular figure. It features alternating bands of lighter and darker parenchyma cells that create a partridge-wood look, appearing significantly darker and more uniform than most species.
Color Description
Medium brown to nearly black heartwood with lighter yellowish-brown streaks. The wood has a low natural luster and typically darkens with age to an almost uniform black finish. Sapwood is a pale yellow and is clearly demarcated from heartwood.
Hardness Rating
1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to termite attack and decay, making it suitable for high-wear flooring and exterior applications.
Common Uses
Flooring, fine furniture, cabinetry, paneling, musical instruments (specifically guitar necks and basses), and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Gabon, Cameroon, and Equatorial Guinea).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$20.00 - $35.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Fresh to slightly aged; the deep darkness suggests significant heartwood maturity or recent oxidation, but the surface suggests a relatively contemporary cut without historical patina.
Sustainability Status
Endangered; listed on the IUCN Red List due to a population reduction of over 50% in the last three generations caused by shrinking distribution and over-exploitation.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand and machine tools. It dulls cutting edges rapidly. The wood is prone to splintering and can be difficult to glue due to natural oils. The dust is a known sensitizer and can cause respiratory issues.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'partridge' figure; the wood is heavy and dense with high shock resistance. It has a faint, slightly bitter scent when being worked and is known for producing very painful splinters that can become septic if not removed.
Finish Recommendations
Tung oil or Danish oil are recommended to preserve the natural dark color. Surface should be sanded to a high grit and any open pores may require grain filler for a glass-smooth finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic alternating dark/light bands (parenchyma) and the coffee-black coloring are highly diagnostic of Millettia laurentii.