What Is Wenge Wood? Properties, Characteristics, and Uses

Wenge wood will come from two similar trees found in Central Africa. The tree is regarded as endangered and its timber is quite difficult to get hold of, also making it an expensive wood. However, it is sought soon after simply because it is resistant to termites even though getting strong and hardwearing. It is utilised largely in wooden paneling, parquetry, and cupboard creating, although choices are much more frequently utilised due to the fact of the scarcity of the wooden and its resulting value.

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About Wenge Wood

Wenge is in fact a brand title for a variety of timber that arrives from the Millettia laurentii tree of Central Africa. It can increase to practically thirty meters in peak and have a trunk diameter of roughly one meter.

It is well-liked to perform with due to the fact, even with becoming considerably resistant to hand and machine tools, it is a extremely sturdy wooden with an appealing grain. It is also resistant to termites, and its natural oils suggest that it does not need to have to be handled.

It is on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) pink checklist as an endangered species of tree and has grow to be endangered simply because of the destruction of its natural habitat and because its use has produced it so common that it has been greatly exploited.

Benefits of Wenge Wood as a Timber

  • Attractive – Wenge wood is used in the construction of veneer and paneling, as well as to construct musical instruments and cabinetry. It is chosen for its strength but also for its attractive finish. It is described as having a partridge wood pattern and wenge wood has both light and dark patinas.
  • High Density – The wood is very dense. This means that it is moisture resistant because the tight pores do not easily take on moisture. Even if moisture is present on the wood, it is unlikely to seep into the grain.

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Wenge Wood Drawbacks

  • It Is Mildly Toxic – Although some people regularly use the wood and experience no negative effects, and it has been used as a medicinal plant for generations, wenge wood can cause abdominal cramps, skin irritation, and even affects the nervous system in rare cases.
  • Blunts Tools – The high density and strength of the wood mean that it can create durable and hardwearing items, but it also blunts tools and means that it is virtually unworkable using hand tools.
  • High Price – Wenge wood is an endangered species of wood and very difficult to come by, while still being popular for furniture and flooring construction. This means that, when it is available, it has a very high cost that makes it unappealing for everyday use.

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Conclusion

Wenge wooden is deemed an endangered species, but it is nevertheless a hugely sought-after timber for cabinetry, parquetry, and flooring. It is very dense and robust, and it has an appealing partridge pattern. Nevertheless, it is challenging to function, whether or not using hand equipment or device resources. When completed, however, the wooden is resistant to termites and retains its strength even when moist many thanks to its density.


Showcased Picture Credit score: Wenge Wooden (Impression Credit rating: SoylentGreen, Wikimedia Commons CC BY-SA 3.)

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