WENGE(Millettia laurentii)
Wenge is a rare and visually striking tropical hardwood known for its deep chocolate-brown to almost black heartwood with subtle purple overtones and fine, closely spaced black veins. It is revered in luxury interior design and bespoke furniture for its bold grain, rich tone, and natural luster. With excellent durability and high density, Wenge is also suited to structural and wear-heavy applications where both performance and visual impact are essential.
WENGE (Millettia laurentii)
Common Names: Wenge, Awong, Dikela
Origin: Central Africa — primarily the Democratic Republic of Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon
Description:
Wenge is a rare and visually striking tropical hardwood known for its deep chocolate-brown to almost black heartwood with subtle purple overtones and fine, closely spaced black veins. It is revered in luxury interior design and bespoke furniture for its bold grain, rich tone, and natural luster. With excellent durability and high density, Wenge is also suited to structural and wear-heavy applications where both performance and visual impact are essential.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Millettia laurentii |
| Family | Fabaceae |
| Density (Dry) | 830–930 kg/m³ |
| Janka Hardness | 1,930 lbf (8,590 N) |
| Bending Strength (MOR) | 112 MPa |
| Modulus of Elasticity (MOE) | 14,000 MPa |
| Crushing Strength | 63 MPa |
| Shrinkage (Radial/Tangential) | 2.8% / 5.4% |
| Durability Class | Class 1 – Very durable |
| Natural Resistance | Excellent resistance to fungi, termites, and moisture |
| Silica Content | Low to moderate — tools may dull with prolonged use |
| Workability | Moderate — hard and dense; pre-drilling recommended |
| Finishing | Polishes beautifully; accepts oil finishes and waxes well |
Color & Appearance
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Heartwood: Dark brown to black with fine black streaks; can appear almost charcoal or espresso
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Sapwood: Pale yellow to white, sharply demarcated
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Grain: Generally straight with a very coarse texture; low natural luster
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Oxidation: Darkens with exposure to air and light
Common Applications
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High-end furniture and luxury cabinetry
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Decorative interior paneling
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Musical instruments (especially bass guitars)
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Flooring (especially inlays and parquet)
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Gunstocks, knife handles, and custom accessories
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Architectural millwork and luxury accents
Sustainability & Certification
Wenge is a CITES Appendix II-listed species due to overharvesting concerns. Timber Experts Global Holdings strictly sources Wenge from legally verified, controlled, and sustainably managed forests, offering full FSC® and VLC certification upon request. Responsible sourcing is non-negotiable in our supply chain.
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