Wenge
Millettia laurentii · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Central Africa, primarily distributed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon.
- Hardness
- 1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to decay, fungal attack, and wood-boring insects, making it suitable for high-wear applications.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with prominent, light-colored parenchyma bands producing a distinctive web-like, fine-textured pattern on flat-sawn surfaces.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a dark brown, almost blackish color, punctuated with fine, closely spaced yellowish-white to light brown parenchyma lines. Upon exposure to light, the dark background often deepens to near-black while lighter soft tissue areas remain contrasting.
Hardness (Janka)
1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Exceptional resistance to decay, fungal attack, and wood-boring insects, making it suitable for high-wear applications.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $20.00 - $35.00 per board foot depending on thickness, clarity, and sourcing origin.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Matured heartwood timber; the sample appears to be freshly sawn or rough-sanded lumber with minimal surface patina, likely processed within recent years.
- Sustainability Status
- Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to over-exploitation and habitat loss. Subject to strict export controls; legally sourced timber typically requires FSC certification.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, architectural millwork, luxury flooring, decorative veneers, musical instruments (especially bass guitar necks and fingerboards), turnery, and inlay work.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa, primarily distributed in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand or power tools due to its density and abrasive nature, which rapidly dulls cutting edges. Tends to splinter easily along fine parenchyma lines. Sanding requires care, and gluing can be challenging due to resinous compounds.
Finish Recommendations
Pre-seal with a wash coat of shellac or specialized wood pore filler to manage high contrast; finishes well with polyurethane, lacquers, or penetrating oils like Danish oil or teak oil. Avoid heavy sanding that produces excessive fine, dark dust.
Notable Features
Distinctive alternating dark fibrous and light parenchyma bands; splinter-prone; dust can cause respiratory or skin irritation; high natural oil content and density.
