Wenge
Millettia laurentii • Hardwood / Exotic
Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly interlocked grain with a very coarse texture; exhibits a distinct partridge-pattern on flat-sawn surfaces and fine, closely spaced black veins.
Color Description
Heartwood is a medium brown to nearly black with alternating nearly black and light brown bands. It has a high natural luster once polished and typically darkens significantly with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; excellent resistance to termite attack and decay, though the large pores can collect debris if not sealed.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, high-end flooring, musical instruments (especially guitar fingerboards and necks), cabinetry, turning, and architectural veneers.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (specifically Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $45.00 per board foot depending on thickness and figuring.
Wood Age Estimate
Indeterminate; however, the deep oxidation shown suggests it is likely several years old or has been treated with a dark finish/stain.
Sustainability Status
Endangered (IUCN Red List); listed as such due to a population reduction of over 50% in the last three generations caused by overexploitation; not currently CITES listed.
Workability
Difficult to work by hand or machine; it blunts tools quickly due to its hardness and mineral deposits. It is prone to splintering and can produce skin/eye irritation from its dust. Glue-up is generally successful.
Notable Features
Distinctive dark brown to black coloration; heavy weight; known for its excellent acoustic properties and a faint, slightly bitter scent when being worked.
Finish Recommendations
Best finished with oil or wax to emphasize the natural grain and luster. If using film-forming finishes like lacquer or polyurethane, a grain filler is highly recommended due to the very large, open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the alternating dark and light parenchyma bands and the specific coarse texture are characteristic of Wenge and differentiate it from lookalikes like Panga Panga.