Wenge is a valuable tree species found in the jungle of the Congo, Cameroon, Mozambique, Equatorial Guinea and other African countries. The Wenge tree is an exotic tropical plant that is being hunted for - it is rare and expensive. The height of the trunk is not more than 20 meters, diameter - about 1 meter.
The material is surprisingly beautiful, thanks to the luxurious chocolate color with elegant veins. Shades range from tan to burgundy black, depending on where you grow.
The tree has a characteristic decorative pattern with African motifs, as if left by the claws of a wild animal.
Wood darkens after sawing. A fresh slice has a golden brown color, and later acquires a saturated color, gradually becoming dark brown.
Properties and Application
Material properties are unique: it is heavy, resistant to deformation, damage and bending wood with a density of 880 kg / m3. The tree is not afraid of mold and harmful insects that pose a threat to other species.
The structure is large, straight fiber. It is difficult to confuse it with another tree due to its special expressiveness and color. The material has a rough texture that is difficult to polish.
5% of the world's inhabitants are allergic to Wenge.
Due to the presence in the wood of numerous oily substances and minerals, it is difficult to process and polish, varnish or apply other compounds. Waxing is considered optimal - long-term and safe for health. Wood drying is slow and uneven, so it is important not to deviate from technology.
The breed is appreciated by lovers of expensive interiors. Designers assure that the material will not only demonstrate the delicate taste of the owner of the house, but also emphasize its high social status. The natural Wenge tree is a true exotic, accessible to few.
Wood Wenge is on the verge of extinction. Wood is rapidly being cut down by poor African people for resale and income. If the felling continues, we run the risk of saying goodbye to Wenge. And even if the view persists, its prices will become prohibitive.
Wenge in the interior
Ethnic motives oblige, and treating the interior with Wenge without due attention is an unforgivable mistake. Repair will be difficult to appreciate if you do not take into account all the nuances. Therefore, the main recommendations relate to issues of how it is beneficial to emphasize Wenge, and not to dissolve it in the environment.
- Natural wood is combined with light species - ash, maple, olive and others. Usually combined with them.
Living rooms and bedrooms can be “diluted” with bright red and white tones. Carrot, raspberry, pastel, dark violet, cherry, golden brown colors look good.
When working with this color, it is important not to “overwhelm” the situation with “chocolate” - it will turn out too gloomy. Add more light!
The properties of Wenge allow you to use it without restrictions. The tree is not afraid of humidity and temperature changes, it is resistant to decay, due to its pronounced antiseptic properties, it does not accumulate moisture, and therefore it can even be used to design bathrooms and kitchens.
The material is used in the design of stairs and massive furniture - wherever high demands are placed on strength. Parquet from Wenge is popular. It is considered one of the most expensive in the world. Natural coverage - nothing threatens your health. The material is unpretentious in operation, does not shrink and does not swell, can be used even outside the house, for example, on the terrace.
Where else can you meet Wenge? Handles of knives, cues for billiards, musical instruments and souvenirs, bar counters, trade and laboratory equipment are made from it.
Natural Wenge tree can only be found in the homes of wealthy people. All that we see today in stores is an imitation performed more or less professionally. This is cabinet furniture, doors, laminate, other finishing and decorative coatings. Giving preference to such materials, it is necessary to understand that they do not have the properties of a natural Wenge, and the similarity is exclusively external.