Wenge
Millettia laurentii • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight when quarter-sawn but can be wavy; features a very coarse texture with prominent, large pores and a characteristic partridge-wood pattern of alternating dark and light parenchyma bands.
Color Description
Heartwood is medium brown, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish hue, with nearly black streaks. Upon application of a finish, the wood can become nearly black. Sapwood is distinctively pale yellow.
Hardness Rating
1,630 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to termite attack and rot, though stability can be an issue in varying climates.
Common Uses
Veneer, paneling, tool handles, musical instruments (especially bass guitars), fine furniture, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, Tanzania)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $35.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern/Recently fabricated based on the clean mechanical milling, modern finish sheen, and lack of deep oxidation or wear.
Sustainability Status
Endangered (IUCN Red List); lacks CITES protection but subject to exports restrictions in many native countries.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand and machine tools; it blunts cutting edges quickly. It is prone to splintering and can cause skin irritation or allergic reactions from the dust. Gluing can be difficult due to natural oils.
Notable Features
Distinguished by its 'partridge' pattern and very dark color. It has excellent acoustic properties and a faint, slightly bitter scent when being worked. Splinters are known to be particularly prone to causing infection.
Finish Recommendations
Responds well to oils and waxes which enhance its natural dark color. Use of a grain filler is often necessary if a smooth surface is desired due to the very large, open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive alternating light and dark bands (parenchyma), extremely coarse texture, and large open pores visible on the end-grain transition are classic morphological traits of Millettia laurentii.