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Species Information / Wenge |
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The Species: |
Flooring Trade Name: Wenge
Botanical Name:
Milletia, laurentii
Lumber Name:
Wenge
Grows In:
Central Africa
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Products Available in Wenge |
See
page below for a listing of all the products available in this
specie: Products
/ Wenge
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Description: |
| Wenge
is a uniform dark chocolate brown color that is used primarily
for contrasting accent strips or in those areas desiring such
bold dark look. Wenge is offered in selected straight grain for a very uniform look or
in mixed graining, where the flat sawn figure yields a visible
“flower” look. A related species from East Africa, Panga Panga, is also offered
in the trade. It has the same graining as Wenge but with a more yellowish tone to
it and never darkens as much as Wenge. |
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Color Range & Color Change: |
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Color
Range:
Wenge, once aged is very uniform in color. Selected straight
grain yields the most uniform selection.
Color
Change:
Wenge exhibits a large degree of color change with pronounced
darkening from the yellowish color it is when freshly milled to
a deep chocolate/black brown when aged. This process
happens within a few months.
View WFI's
Color Properties Chart below to compare this specie with other
species:
WFI's
Color
Properties Chart View
WFI's Wenge Photo Page for photos of the typical
color range & change to be expected:
Wenge
Photo Page
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Hardness: |
Wenge is 30%
harder than red oak, (1630 on the Janka scale vs. 1260 for red
oak). |
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| For hardness comparisons
to additional species, please go to:
WFI's
Species
Hardness
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Where to Use: |
| Wenge, one of the
world's premier dark species, is used wherever
a strong contrast is desired when used as accent strips, or may be used
where the dark color and unique graining will make a design statement.
Wenge and may used
residentially & commercially.
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Special Characteristics /
Issues Specific to this Species: |
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Stability:
Wenge
is very stable. For additional
information, see:
WFI's
Wood Properties Chart
on the WFI Downloads page.
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Finish Issues: (for site sanding/finishing only) -
Oil finishes may react adversely/not dry when used on Wenge. ALWAYS test the finish you propose
to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility. See WFI's
Finish Recommendations on the WFI Downloads page
before commencing any site finishing.
Safety/Allergic Reaction Issues:
Wenge
has been known to cause respiratory and contact dermatitis allergic
reactions. Care should be taken when exposed to the dust of Wenge.
See
WFI's
Material Safety on
the WFI Downloads page for safety issues with wood dust. -
Other Characteristics/Issues specific to this species:
none known at this time - see
Feedback
/
Wenge on the WFI
Site Map to see what others have experienced with this
species.
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Technical Information: |
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Note: |
Additional Technical Information
on this species can be accessed from the links below:
U.S. Forest Products Laboratory -
Wenge Only
U.S.
Forest Products Laboratory
- to access all species
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