Toppers
What is Wenge?
Wenge is a durable and stable type of wood sourced from Africa. It is known for its unique milk chocolate color with fine streaks and its beautiful flame pattern. This type of wood is widely used for indoor applications such as parquet flooring and furniture. Below, we provide a detailed overview of the characteristics, origin, and applications of Wenge.
Origin
Wenge is the commercial name for the botanical species Millettia laurentii De Wild. This type of wood comes from Central and West Africa, particularly from the Congo, Gabon, and Congo-Brazzaville. The best Wenge is sourced from West Congo, where it grows in swamp forests.
Appearance and Structure
The Wenge tree can grow up to thirty meters tall and has a lifespan of 150 to 200 years. The trunk is usually free of branches up to a height of ten meters and releases typical red, sticky substances when cut.
Color and Pattern
The wood features dark and lighter fine stripes that alternate, creating a striking flame pattern on the tangential surface. The best Wenge wood is milk chocolate brown with a violet sheen, while wood from less optimal growth areas can be darker and less stable.
Durability
The heartwood of Wenge falls into natural durability class II, which means it is highly durable.
Drying and Moisture Content
Wenge wood typically arrives in Belgium 'shipping dry' (SD), after which it is further dried for specific applications. With sufficiently long drying at low temperatures, there is no risk of deformation.
Processing and Finishing
Wenge is easy to work with, both manually and mechanically. The dust produced can be irritating, so good ventilation is important. The wood contains dark substances that dissolve in water and can leave stains. For outdoor applications, the use of a pore filler and extra pigment is recommended, while for indoor use, a varnish with UV filter can slow down fading.
Technical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Average density | 850 kg/m³ |
| Radial shrinkage | 0.7% - 0.8% |
| Tangential shrinkage | 1.4% - 1.5% |
| Movement | 2.1% - 2.3% |
| Bending strength | 155 N/mm² |
| Modulus of elasticity | 17,000 N/mm² |
| Compressive strength | 90 N/mm² |
| Shear strength | 16.8 N/mm² |
| Hardness (Janka) – End | 11,750 N |
| Hardness (Janka) – Side | 10,600 N |
Commercial Dimensions
Strips:
| Thickness | Width | Fixed lengths | Variable lengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 mm | 80 mm | 45/50/90/100/150 cm | 35-55 cm, 65-185 cm, increasing by 5 cm |
Sawn and rough cut:
| Thickness | Width | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 26/34/40/52/65 mm | 15 cm and wider | 180 cm and longer, increasing by 5 cm (average 250 to 260 cm) |
Applications
Wenge is widely used for:
- Indoor applications such as furniture and stairs
- Turning and inlay work
- Veneer
- Various outdoor applications
Conclusion
Wenge is a stunning type of wood with a unique color and pattern, offering both durability and stability. It is ideal for a wide range of applications, from high-quality furniture to decorative elements in interiors. With the right treatment and finishing, Wenge can add beauty and functionality to any project for years to come.
Wenge is an excellent choice for those seeking a wood type that is both visually appealing and practical, whether for indoor or outdoor applications.