Wenge is a dense, dark-chocolate to near-black African hardwood with striking parallel black streaks. Highly durable and shock resistant - used for premium flooring, feature furniture and decorative joinery wherever dramatic dark colour is desired without staining.
Wenge's colour deepens with light exposure to a near-black, with the characteristic light/dark parallel grain remaining visible. The wood is heavy and dense; coarse-textured with a low natural lustre that polishes well with oil and wax finishes. It is one of the few naturally very dark woods that doesn't require staining.
Wenge is hard on tools - carbide tooling is required. Splinters can cause skin irritation and the dust is a known sensitiser, so PPE and good extraction are essential. Pre-drilling is required for screws and nails. Glues and finishes well; takes oil and wax beautifully.
Indicative values from The Wood Database, AHEC species data and USDA Wood Handbook (FPL-GTR-190). Actual values vary by origin and growing conditions.
| Character | Dry | Units |
|---|---|---|
| Janka Hardness | 1,930 | lbf |
| Bending Strength (MOR) | 21,820 | psi |
| Stiffness (MOE) | 2,550 | 1,000 psi |
| Specific Gravity | 0.87 | - |
| Weight | 54 | lbs/ft³ |
| Radial Shrinkage | 4.8 | % |
| Tangential Shrinkage | 8.1 | % |
Other dimensions, grades and certifications available on request.
One of the few woods that delivers a true dark colour without staining.
Janka 1,930 lbf, outstanding wear resistance for premium flooring.
Rot, insect and fungus resistant for demanding interior environments.
The questions buyers, architects and joiners ask us most often about Wenge.
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