Wenge grows in swampy areas in Zaire, Cameroon, and Gaboon, Africa. It has an average height of 60 feet with 2 foot diameters but can grow to 90 feet with 3 to 4 foot diameters. Wenge is a very distinctive looking wood comprised of dark brown heartwood. With very close, fine black veins and white lines, it is straight grained and is similar to maple in natural abrasion resistance. Wenge weighs between 52 and 62 pounds per cubic foot.

Uses for wenge include interior and exterior joinery plus general construction work. Wenge is a good wood for turnery. It is also prized for wood sculpting because it cuts easily and has a beautiful grain and interesting color that adds to the artistic image. The best logs are veneer sliced for high-end cabinetry and architectural uses such as paneling. It is an ideal choice for high-traffic flooring areas, particularly in public buildings, such as hotels, boardrooms, and banks.

Carbide cutting tools are recommended since the wood has a slight blunting effect. Wenge has good workablity, but make sure your blades are very sharp. It has a course texture and must be filled to ensure best finishing results.