Wenge
Millettia laurentii • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight when quarter-sawn but with a very coarse texture. Features characteristic 'partridge wood' patterning of dark brown nearly black streaks interlaced with lighter reddish-brown parenchyma bands.
Color Description
Heartwood is medium brown, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish hue, nearly black with coffee-colored streaks. Color darkens to almost black upon exposure to light. Sapwood is distinct pale yellow. Low to medium luster.
Hardness Rating
1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable. Highly resistant to termite attack and rot; suitable for high-traffic flooring.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, veneer, high-end flooring, musical instruments (especially guitar necks and fretboards), and turnery.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Republic of Congo).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $35.00 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly surfaced to slightly aged; significant oxidation is visible as the wood has reached its deep 'espresso' tone rather than its raw yellowish-brown state.
Sustainability Status
Endangered (IUCN Red List) due to habitat loss and over-harvesting; listed as 'At Risk.' Not currently CITES listed but often FSC certified at a premium.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand and machine tools. It blunts edges rapidly due to high density and mineral content. Sanding and planing often result in 'tearing' of the coarse grain. Splinters are common and can become septic.
Notable Features
Faint, slightly bitter scent when being worked. Known for its 'partridge' figure. Splinters are very sharp and have a high risk of infection (toxicity). Excellent acoustic properties for percussion and bass instruments.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a wood filler if a smooth, level surface is desired due to large open pores. Finishes well with tung oil or polyurethane. Wiping with solvent before gluing is recommended due to natural resins.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinct 'zebra-like' alternating dark and light parenchyma bands, extremely coarse texture, and deep coffee-to-black coloration are diagnostic signatures of Millettia laurentii.