AFRICAN WENGE: G
A very unusual and beautiful timber. When first worked it is yellow initially then changing to an attractive dark brown to black colour. It can be incorporated in furniture and kitchens as a contrast to light coloured timbers, or on its own giving a stunning effect. Available in good length and width specifications.

Production: 1/SE, S/E, DIM.

Millettia laurentii
Family: Leguminosae

Distribution: Mainly Zaire also Cameroon Republic and Gabon.

General Descripion: The clearly defined heartwood is dark brown with very close, fine, almost black veins. The closely spaced whitish bands of parenchyma give the wood a most attractive appearance. It is fairly straight grained with a coarse texture. Weight 880kg/m3 (55lb/ft3); specific gravity .88.

Mechanical Properties: This heavy density wood has a high bending strength and high resistance to shock loads with medium crushing strength and low stiffness. It has a low steam bending classification.

Seasoning: The timber seasons slowly and requires care to minimise surface checking tendencies. There is a small movement in service.

Working Properties: The material works fairly well with machine tools and with a moderate blunting effect on cutting edges. The presence of resin cells in the wood sometimes interferes with gluing and polishing. Nailing is difficult and requires pre-boring. When filled, it can be brought to a satisfactory finish.

Durability: Durable and resistant to termites. It is extremely resistant to preservative treatment.

Uses: The high natural resistance to abrasion makes this timber very suitable for flooring strips or blocks. Also used for interior and exterior joinery and general construction work. It is an excellent turnery wood. Wenge is unsuitable for plywood manufacture because of its weight but it is sliced for panelling and decorative veneers for cabinets, marquetry etc.

JBT Comments: This is becoming a very popular timber where a dark colour is required. Stunning in flooring and kitchen doors.

Grade: FAS

Specification: Square edge: 8ft and longer, 5ins and wider.

Stockholding: Limited kiln dried stocks available with larger quantities to order 4-6 weeks, in 1ins, 11/2ins, 2ins, 3ins and 4ins thickness.