WENGE - Millettia laurentii

Common Name(s): Wenge
Scientific Name: Millettia Laurentii
Distribution: Central Africa
Tree Size: 60-90 ft (18-27 m) tall, 3-4 ft (1-1.2 m) trunk diameter
Average Dried Weight: 54 lbs/ft3 (870 kg/m3)
Crushing Strength: 11,710 lbf/in2 (80.7 MPa)
Shrinkage: Radial: 4.8%, Tangential: 8.1%, Volumetric: 12.9%, T/R Ratio: 1.7

This tropical exotic wood is very dark in color with a distinctive figure and a strong partridge wood pattern. Wenge is heavy and moderately hard, and resistant to wearing and marring. It is popular in segmented wood-turning because of its dimensional stability and color contrast when mixed with lighter woods. This makes it especially sought after the manufacture of high-end wood canes. The uniform, nearly black color makes it an extraordinary wood that retains color over the years.

Common Uses:​ ​Furniture, veneer, flooring, cabinets, paneling, turned objects and musical instruments.

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is a medium brown, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish hue, with nearly black streaks. Upon application of a wood finish (particularly an oil finish) the wood can nearly black.

Grain/Texture: Grain is straight, with a very coarse texture. Low natural luster.

Rot Resistance:​ ​Rated as very durable and resistant to termite attack.