Wenge
Millettia laurentii • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Coarse, straight grain with characteristic dark brown streaks known as partridge wood pattern. Exhibits a distinctly fibrous texture.
Color Description
Dark brown heartwood with very closely spaced black veins. The sapwood is a yellowish-white. The color darkens significantly toward nearly black upon exposure to light and finishing.
Hardness Rating
1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to termite attack and rot, though susceptible to powder post beetles in sapwood.
Common Uses
Flooring, high-end furniture, cabinetry, paneling, musical instruments (bass guitars), and heavy-duty tool handles.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa, primarily Congo, Cameroon, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $35.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality.
Wood Age Estimate
Post-harvest age 10-30 years based on heavy surface oxidation and visible checking/cracking consistent with seasoned tropical hardwoods.
Sustainability Status
Endangered (IUCN Red List); not listed on CITES Appendices but under heavy regulation; FSC certification is available but rare.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand tools due to extreme hardness. Blunts edges quickly. Prone to splintering and tearout. Glues and finishes well but requires grain filler.
Notable Features
Faint spicy scent when worked. Dust is a known irritant causing dermatitis and respiratory issues. Features high natural oil content and high abrasion resistance.
Finish Recommendations
Tung oil or Danish oil to highlight the dark streaks; high-quality lacquer also works well. Requires pore filling if a smooth glass-like finish is desired.
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive chocolate brown with black streaks and very coarse, fibrous pore structure are diagnostic features of Millettia laurentii.