Grows In: South Africa
Hardness: 1630

DESCRIPTION
Strength properties of the timber are reported to vary with density, but bending strength in the air-dry condition is generally very high. Strength qualities in compression parallel to grain are exceptionally high. It is moderately hard and resistant to wearing and marring. Weight and density are very high.

COLOUR RANGE
The heartwood is dark brown, mostly black, with fine, closely spaced, very dark veins and white lines. The grain is fairly straight to slightly roey. The combination of white bands against the dark wood with black streaks gives Wenge a very attractive appearance. 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. Wenge, once aged is very uniform in color.

COLOUR 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. Exposure lightens the dark color of the wood, and lumber is reported to be occasionally left in the sun on purpose to lighten the color.

IDEAL USE
Wenge is used wherever a strong contrast is desired when used as accent strips and may used residentially & commercially.