Wenge
Millettia laurentii • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy grain with a very coarse texture; exhibits a characteristic 'partridge wood' figure with alternating dark and light parenchyma bands.
Color Description
Heartwood is medium brown to nearly black with black streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. The wood displays a very dark, matte chocolate color that turns nearly black with oil and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,630 lbf (Hard to Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; naturally resistant to termite attack and decay, making it suitable for high-traffic and exterior use.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, high-end flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments (specifically bass guitar necks), turning, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (primarily Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Zaire).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $35.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Sample appears to be modern industrial stock (likely 5-20 years old) based on the precision of the flat-sawn cut and surface wear.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List; not currently CITES listed but monitored due to overexploitation and habitat loss.
Workability
Challenging to work with; can be difficult to plane without tearout due to interlocked grain. Dulls tool edges quickly and can cause splinters that ofter fester. Glues well and sands to a high finish.
Notable Features
Faintly medicinal scent when worked. Dust is a known sensitizer and can cause respiratory or skin irritation. Extremely heavy and shock-resistant.
Finish Recommendations
Oil finishes (tung or Danish) enhance the deep black color. Highly porous grain often requires a grain filler if a high-gloss finish is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinct alternating dark and light streaks, the prominent cathedral grain pattern, and the coarse, open-pored texture are definitive hallmarks of Millettia laurentii.