Wenge
Millettia laurentii • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight when quarter-sawn but can be wavy; features a very coarse texture with large pores. Notable for its distinctive 'partridge' pattern of alternating dark and light parenchyma bands.
Color Description
Medium brown heartwood with nearly black streaks; upon application of finish the wood turns almost entirely black. Sapwood is yellowish-white and clearly demarcated from heartwood. High natural luster.
Hardness Rating
1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability Rating
Very Durable; highly resistant to rot, termites, and wood-boring insects. Excellent for exterior or high-wear applications.
Common Uses
High-end furniture, flooring, cabinetry, musical instruments (especially guitar necks and fretboards), veneer, and specialty turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (predominantly Cameroon, Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $40.00 per board foot depending on thickness and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled to recently seasoned; the sharp edges and lack of oxidation suggest a relatively new board rather than an antique specimen.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List; CITES Appendix II listed. Sourcing should focus on FSC certified suppliers due to over-exploitation.
Workability
Challenging; the wood is very hard and heavy. Tends to splinter easily and dulls cutting edges quickly. It requires pre-drilling and can be difficult to glue due to natural oils. Sanding dust is a known irritant/sensitizer.
Notable Features
Faint, slightly bitter scent when being worked; dust can cause respiratory irritation or skin rashes. It has excellent strength and shock resistance properties.
Finish Recommendations
Tung oil or Danish oil to highlight the dark grain. Film-forming finishes like lacquer or polyurethane can be used, but sanding between coats is essential to level the deep, open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the 'partridge wood' figure consisting of dark chocolate streaks against a lighter brown background is extremely characteristic of wenge, particularly when viewed in a flat-sawn orientation.