Wenge
Millettia laurentii • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight and coarse with a very distinct, alternating pattern of dark brown to black heartwood and lighter brown parenchymal bands, creating a partridge wood look.
Color Description
Heartwood is medium brown, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish hue, nearly black with dark brown streaks. Usually darkens upon exposure to light. Sapwood is yellowish-white.
Hardness Rating
1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; high resistance to rot and termite attack.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments (drums and guitar necks), turning, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $40.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern lumber, likely processed within the last 5-10 years based on the wax end-sealer and rough-sawn surface.
Sustainability Status
Endangered (IUCN Red List), CITES Appendix II listing is currently non-existent but heavily regulated in several countries.
Workability
Difficult due to its extreme hardness and density. Can cause rapid dulling of tool edges. Large pores can be difficult to fill; splinters are prone to infection.
Notable Features
Distinctive feathery grain pattern; produces a faint, slightly bitter scent when worked; splinters are known to be septic.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a sealer to avoid leaching of natural oils; looks best with natural oils (Tung or Danish) or a clear satin lacquer to showcase the dark grain.
Identification Confidence
High. The dark chocolate color, characteristic coarse grain, and tell-tale blue wax end-sealing (typical for African hardwood imports) are definitive markers for Wenge.