Wenge Wood

Wenge wood, derived from Millettia laurentii, a legume native to the Congo, Cameroon, and Gabon, is highly prized in fine woodworking and furniture making due to its striking appearance and durability. It showcases a very dark brown color, almost black, interspersed with slightly paler, fine black veins, creating a unique and elegant grain pattern that can appear almost dimensional. Over time, the wood typically darkens, adding to its allure.

The texture of wenge wood is coarse, with a straight grain, though it can sometimes be interlocked. It is a dense and hard wood, making it challenging to work with but excellent for items requiring longevity and strength, like flooring, paneling, and musical instruments.

Regarding its scent, when freshly cut, wenge wood emits a distinctive, mildly pleasant aroma described as slightly bitter or earthy, somewhat similar to dark cocoa. This characteristic scent is not typically overpowering and tends to fade as the wood is processed and aged. The scent of wenge is more noticeable during processing, like cutting or sanding, but tends to be unobtrusive in finished products.