Wenge
Millettia laurentii • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a coarse texture. The image shows a flat-sawn or oblique orientation with prominent, dark paratracheal parenchyma bands that create a distinct 'partridge' or zebra-like pattern.
Color Description
Medium to dark brown heartwood with very dark brown to black streaks. Sapwood is yellowish-white. The wood tends to darken over time, often becoming nearly black if not finished with UV-inhibitors.
Hardness Rating
1,630 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot and termite attack, suitable for heavy flooring and outdoor use.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, flooring, veneer, musical instruments (fretboards and guitar necks), turned objects, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (primarily Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, Equatorial Guinea, and Tanzania)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $35.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears relatively fresh or recently surfaced, likely within the last 5-10 years, showing typical oxidation for kiln-dried lumber.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to a population reduction of over 50% in the last three generations; not CITES listed but availability is becoming more restricted.
Workability
Challenging to work with hand and machine tools. It is prone to splintering and provides difficult edges for joinery. The sawdust can cause respiratory irritation and dermatitis. Rapidly dulls cutting edges.
Notable Features
Features a very distinct 'spaghetti' texture on the end grain. It is a heavy, dense wood with a faint, slightly bitter scent when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils or clear lacquers work best to highlight the figure. Due to its naturally oily nature and large pores, a grain filler is recommended for a high-gloss, smooth finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the alternating light and dark parenchymatous bands combined with the chocolate-brown color and coarse texture are quintessential diagnostic features of Millettia laurentii.