Wenge
Millettia laurentii · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central Africa (Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Tanzania).
- Hardness
- 1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable; highly resistant to termite attack and rot. Suitable for heavy-traffic areas.
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Grain Pattern
Straight when quarter-sawn but with very prominent, coarse grain and thick parenchyma bands that create a distinct 'partridge wood' or webbed figure. Large open pores are visible.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is medium brown to nearly black with alternating nearly black and light brown bands. Over time and with exposure to light, the wood typically becomes a more uniform dark chocolate or near-black color. High natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable; highly resistant to termite attack and rot. Suitable for heavy-traffic areas.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $25.00 to $45.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern (5-20 years); the surface shows a contemporary poly or lacquer finish with minimal signs of historical wear or deep oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Endangered (IUCN Red List); listed due to a population decline of over 50% in the last three generations. Not CITES listed but regulated.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments (especially guitar necks), paneling, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Tanzania).
Workability
Difficult to work with hand and machine tools. It blunts cutting edges quickly. It is prone to splintering and can be difficult to glue. Dust is a known irritant/sensitizer.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oil finishes that highlight the alternating light/dark bands. Solvent-based lacquers or polyurethanes are common for flooring and furniture. Due to large pores, grain filler is often used for a glass-smooth finish.
Notable Features
Features a very distinctive 'zebra-stripe' or webbed appearance. The wood is exceptionally heavy and dense. It has a faint, slightly sour scent when being worked and is known for its splintery nature.
