Wenge

Specs

Common Names

Wenge

Scientific Name

Millettia laurentii

Origin

Central Africa

Appearance

Heartwood is 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 become nearly black. However, unlike most other dark hardwoods, the heartwood of wenge can lighten (rather than darken) when exposed to sunlight. Grain is straight, with a very coarse texture. Low natural luster.

Avg. Dried Weight

54 lbs/ft3 (870 kg/m3)

Janka Hardness

1930 lbf

Modulus of Rupture

21,990 lbf/in2 (151.7 MPa)

Elastic Modulus

2,550,000 lbf/in2 (17.59 GPa)

Crushing Strength

11,710 lbf/in2 (80.7 MPa)

Shrinkage

Radial: 4.8%, Tangential: 8.1%

Durability

Very durable; good termite resistance.

Workability

Can be difficult to work with hand and machine tools. Blunts tool edges. Sands unevenly due to differences in density between light and dark areas. Very splintery—care must be used when handling unfinished wood with bare hands as splinters can be very large and have an increased risk of infection. Very large pores can be difficult to fill if a perfectly smooth/level finish is desired.