Wenge (pronounced WEN-gay) is a very dense, dark hardwood that comes from the Millettia laurentii tree, native to Central Africa, particularly countries such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon.
What it looks like
- Dark brown to nearly black heartwood
- Distinctive black streaks and coarse grain
- Can resemble ebony from a distance, but typically has a more pronounced texture
- Develops an attractive rich patina over time
Properties
- Extremely hard and heavy
- Very strong and durable
- Resistant to wear and abrasion
- Good dimensional stability when properly dried
