Wenge
Millettia laurentii
Genus: Millettia · Family: Fabaceae
Quick Facts
Wood Type
Hardwood
Native Range
Africa
Avg. Dried Weight
54 lb/ft³
Janka Hardness
1,630 lbf
Decay Resistance
Durable
Typical Color
Dark Brown
Stability
Medium
Outdoor Suitability
Fair
Workability
Difficult
Availability
Commercially Available
CITES
Appendix II
IUCN
Endangered
Did You Know?
- •Wenge is harder than 63% of the 137 species in our database.
- •Wenge is listed under CITES, which means international trade is regulated. Always verify legal sourcing and documentation before purchasing.
Janka Hardness Scale
Hard
Overview
Professional Summary
Wenge (Millettia laurentii) is a distinctive African hardwood known for its very dark brown to nearly black heartwood with dramatic lighter tan veining. At 1,630 lbf Janka, it's moderately hard and offers a bold, modern aesthetic that's made it popular for contemporary furniture, flooring, and musical instruments.
In Plain English
Wenge is the go-to wood when you want a dark, dramatic, modern look without staining. Its near-black color with lighter streaks gives a bold contemporary feel. Popular for modern furniture, flooring, and as a contrasting accent. Pronounced 'WEN-gay'.
Appearance
Technical Properties
Sources, Conditions & Safety
No documented references are attached to this profile yet. Its recorded values should not be treated as source-verified.
Wood dust & sensitivity
Species-specific safety information has not been documented here. Absence of a warning does not mean the wood is safe or non-allergenic.
Use dust extraction and appropriate protective equipment; consult occupational-safety guidance. This is not medical advice or food-contact approval.
Durability & Performance
Workability
Common Uses
Popular for modern furniture, flooring, paneling, musical instruments (guitar fretboards), and decorative accents where a dark color is desired.
Sustainability & Trade
Listings are reference information, not proof of legal sourcing or certification. Verify current trade rules and supplier documentation before buying; absence of a note does not mean unrestricted trade.
Splinters are notoriously painful and prone to infection. Open grain requires filling. Dust is a sensitizer. Handle with gloves.
Native Distribution
Find Substitutes
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Look-Alike Species
Woods with a similar dark brown color that are easily confused with Wenge. Recorded differences are shown where data exists; confirm identification with end-grain examination.
- • Harder (Janka 3,360 lbf)
- • Heavier (68 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Very Durable
- • Softer (Janka 1,010 lbf)
- • Lighter (38 lb/ft³)
- • Texture: Medium
- • Harder (Janka 2,250 lbf)
- • Heavier (61 lb/ft³)
- • Decay: Very Durable
- • Texture: Medium
- • Harder (Janka 2,440 lbf)
- • Decay: Very Durable