Wenge
Wenge's near-black color with fine lighter streaks reads as genuinely sophisticated — it's a showpiece wood for furniture and flooring. Two challenges stand out: the coarse open grain needs proper grain filler before any smooth film finish (no shortcuts), and the splinters are brutally sharp and prone to infection. Wear gloves every time you handle rough stock. Given its IUCN Endangered status, it's worth asking your supplier for FSC documentation.
- Skipping grain filler — you will not achieve a smooth finish without it
- Handling rough stock without gloves — wenge splinters are dangerously sharp
- Buying without checking sustainability sourcing — it is IUCN Endangered
Dark espresso-brown to near-black with fine lighter brown streaks. One of the darkest naturally occurring woods. Sapwood is pale yellow. Develops a grey-brown patina over time.
Workable with sharp carbide but coarse texture causes tearout risk. The large open pores must be filled before a smooth film finish is possible — grain filler is not optional. Wenge splinters are notoriously sharp and embed deeply in skin. Always wear gloves when handling rough stock.
| Region | Availability |
|---|---|
| North America | Specialty importers only |
| Europe | Specialty importers only |
| South America | Rare / not commonly imported |
| Australia/NZ | Specialty importers only |
| Asia | Specialty importers only |
| Africa | Specialty importers only |