Wenge
Millettia laurentii
Hardness
Very hard; tough on tools but extremely wear-resistant.
Overview
Nearly black, dense, and dramatic. A premium accent and contrast wood, gorgeous, but splintery and demanding to finish.
Commonly built
- Contrast inlay strips
- Modern coffee tables
- Guitar fretboards
- Turned vases
- Accent panels
Appearance
Very dark brown to nearly black with fine lighter veining.
Recommended uses
Uses to avoid
Similar species
Comparable on hardness, type, and workability, useful when this species isn't available.
Working notes
Very hard with coarse open pores that splinter, sharp tools and care required. Splinters are notoriously irritating; wear gloves and a mask. Fill grain for a smooth surface. Oil deepens the near-black tone.
Common questions
How hard is Wenge?
Wenge has a Janka hardness of 1930 lbf, a measure of how well it resists denting and wear.
Is Wenge suitable for outdoor use?
Wenge is best used indoors; it is not naturally suited to sustained outdoor or wet conditions.
How easy is Wenge to work with?
Wenge has Fair workability for cutting, shaping, and joinery.
Community photos
Real photos from woodworkers who've used wenge, reviewed before they appear here.
Loading…
Wood data varies by source and sample. How we source and review our data.