Wenge
West African Wenge: A Dark, Durable, and Distinctive Hardwood
Timbersource proudly offers premium West African Wenge (Millettia laurentii), a highly sought-after hardwood. Woodworkers and designers value this timber for its exceptional strength, striking dark color, and distinctive figure. This wood excels in various demanding applications, from high-end furniture and cabinetry to musical instruments and interior joinery. If you seek a timber that combines beauty, durability, and a touch of exotic elegance, consider this option.
Why Choose Wenge from Timbersource?
At Timbersource, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality hardwoods, and our Millettia laurentii exemplifies this commitment. Here’s why Timbersource should be your supplier:
- Premium Quality: We carefully select logs, ensuring superior color, grain, and density. Consequently, our rigorous quality control process guarantees timber that meets the highest standards.
- Sustainably Sourced: We source our West African Millettia laurentii from responsibly managed forests, thus ensuring the long-term health and sustainability of this valuable resource. Moreover, ethical and environmentally conscious practices guide us.
- Expertly Prepared: We expertly saw and kiln-dry our timber. As a result, this process optimizes stability and minimizes the risk of warping or cracking, ensuring your project’s longevity.
- Wide Range of Sizes: We offer it in a variety of thicknesses and widths to suit your specific project requirements. So, whether you need boards for furniture making or smaller pieces for turning, we have options for you.
- Expert Advice: Furthermore, our knowledgeable team can provide expert advice on working with this hardwood, including recommendations for finishing, gluing, and machining.
Characteristics of West African Millettia laurentii
This African hardwood’s unique aesthetic and physical properties make it highly desirable:
- Color: The heartwood ranges from a deep, rich chocolate brown to almost black, often with fine, closely spaced, lighter-colored lines. Consequently, these lines create a distinctive, almost zebra-like pattern. In contrast, the pale yellow sapwood provides a sharp contrast.
- Grain: The timber typically has a straight grain, though it can sometimes be slightly interlocked. The texture is coarse but even.
- Durability: The wood’s density and hardness make it exceptionally resistant to wear, abrasion, and impact. Therefore, this durability suits it for high-traffic areas and demanding applications. Furthermore, it naturally resists insect and fungal attack.
- Workability: While the wood’s density presents challenges, sharp tools allow for reasonably good machining. However, we recommend pre-drilling for screws and nails. It glues and finishes well, although its dark color may require specific finishing techniques.
- Common Uses: *Furniture *Cabinetry *Flooring *Veneer *Musical Instruments (especially guitars) *Turning *Interior Joinery *Staircases
Working with This Hardwood
Due to its hardness, use sharp tools. Specifically, carbide-tipped blades and cutters are highly recommended. Also, pre-drilling for screws and nails will prevent splitting. The dust can irritate, so use proper dust extraction and wear a dust mask.
Finishing
This timber takes finishes well, though staining may not be necessary due to its dark color. Clear finishes, such as lacquer or oil, will enhance the wood’s natural beauty and protect it. However, a dark stain allows for a fully black look.
Order Your West African Wenge Timber Today
Explore the exceptional beauty and performance of Millettia laurentii. Browse our selection of sizes and thicknesses online, or contact Timbersource today to discuss your specific project needs. Our team is ready to assist you; in short, we aim to help you in selecting the perfect timber for your next masterpiece. Finally, experience the Timbersource difference – quality, sustainability, and expert service.

West African Wenge Wine Cellar

A piece of planed all round West African Wenge

Two pieces of West African Wenge planed all round