Wenge
Millettia laurentii • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with very coarse texture. It features characteristic dark brown to black streaks (often called partridge wood pattern) with alternating bands of light-colored parenchyma tissue.
Color Description
Heartwood is medium brown, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish hue, with nearly black streaks. Upon application of a wood finish, the wood can become nearly black. The sapwood is distinctly yellowish-white.
Hardness Rating
1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; heartwood is extremely resistant to termite attack and fungal decay.
Common Uses
Furniture, flooring, cabinetry, veneer, musical instruments (especially guitar necks and fretboards), and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Tanzania)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 to $25.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Cannot be precisely determined from photo, though the oxidation level suggests the sample is relatively recent or freshly sanded as it retains medium brown tones before turning deep black.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a population reduction of over 50% in the last three generations. Not currently CITES listed, but FSC availability is limited.
Workability
Challenging wood to work. It is very hard and can blunt tools quickly. The coarse texture often leads to surface splintering (tearout). Dust is known to be an irritant to skin and respiratory tract.
Notable Features
Distinctive 'cowhide' or 'partridge' figure; lacks a distinctive odor; extremely resonance-heavy for acoustic applications; contains high levels of natural oils.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for oil-based finishes that highlight its dark color. Due to large pores, a grain filler is required if a smooth, high-gloss finish (like lacquer) is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the specific combination of dark streaks, coarse parenchyma bands, and open-pored texture is a signature visual marker of Millettia laurentii.