Wenge
Millettia laurentii · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central and West Africa (primarily Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Cameroon)
- Hardness
- 1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
- Durability
- Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot, decay, fungal attack, and termite infestation
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with high contrast dark streaks and prominent parenchyma bands that produce a distinctive fibrous or feather-like figure
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is medium to dark brown, almost black, with dark chocolate to black veins. Sapwood is pale yellow-white (not visible on this sample). Lightens slightly with exposure to UV/sunlight. Low to moderate natural luster
Hardness (Janka)
1,930 lbf (Very Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Very Durable. Highly resistant to rot, decay, fungal attack, and termite infestation
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $20.00 - $35.00 per board foot for premium quality lumber
- Wood Age Estimate
- Rough-sawn stock lumber sample, recently processed (0-5 years post-milling), showing minimal surface oxidation or wear
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Red List status: Endangered (due to habitat loss and overexploitation). Listed on CITES Appendix II to control trade; FSC certification is available from responsibly managed forests
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, architectural millwork, woodturning, musical instruments (especially guitar fingerboards and bass bodies), high-end flooring, decorative veneers, tool handles
Geographic Origin
Central and West Africa (primarily Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Cameroon)
Workability
Challenging to work with hand and machine tools due to extreme hardness, high density, and alternating soft/hard fiber structure. Rapidly dulls cutting edges. Prone to splintering and tearout; requires pre-drilling for fasteners. Sanding dust is severe skin/respiratory irritant
Finish Recommendations
Resinous nature and oily pore structure require surface wiping with solvent (acetone or denatured alcohol) before finishing. Accepts polyurethane, lacquer, shellac, and natural oils (tung/Danish oil) extremely well to highlight deep color
Notable Features
Extremely distinct dark chocolate/black tone with contrasting light parenchyma lines. Very heavy, dense, and rigid with good acoustic resonance. Fine dust can cause skin, eye, and respiratory irritation
