Wenge

Wenge (Millettia laurentii)

Common Names: Wenge

Distribution: Central Africa

Color/Appearance: Heartwood is medium brown, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish hue, with nearly black streaks.

Janka Hardness: 1,930 lb_f

Density: 4.5 lb/b.f.

Shrinkage: 1

Radial (thickness): 4.8%

Tangential (width): 8.1%,

Volumetric (total): 12.9%,

T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.7

Allergies/Toxicity: Breathing Wenge wood dust has been reported to cause effects on the central nervous system, abdominal cramps, irritation of the skin and eyes and is a sensitizer. Also, Wenge splinters tend to take longer to heal and are more likely to go septic (get infected) than splinters from other woods

Controlled species: CITES: no, IUCN: yes

Common Uses: Veneer, paneling, furniture, turned objects and musical instruments