Find Your Store
Windsor Plywood has been a trusted source for specialty lumber and hardwoods across western Canada for decades. Our specialty lumber selection goes well beyond standard framing grades, offering premium domestic and imported hardwood species suited for fine furniture making, custom cabinetry, architectural millwork, and decorative woodworking projects of all scales. Species available include hard maple, red oak, white oak, walnut, cherry, birch, alder, poplar, and a rotating selection of exotic and figured hardwoods depending on current inventory. In addition to solid hardwood lumber, we carry live edge slabs, figured wood for tabletops and accent pieces, and hardwood plywood in species to match. Windsor Plywood staff are knowledgeable about the properties and working characteristics of each species and can help you select the right material for your specific application. Visit your local Windsor Plywood to browse current specialty lumber stock and discuss your project with our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is wenge wood and what makes it distinctive?
Wenge (Millettia laurentii) is a dense tropical hardwood from central Africa with a distinctive dark brown to near-black colour and bold, linear grain with light and dark alternating bands. It has a Janka hardness of approximately 1630 and a somewhat coarse texture. Wenge is used in furniture, flooring, interior architectural millwork, and musical instruments where its dramatic dark colour and strong visual character are design assets.
Is wenge difficult to work with?
Yes. Wenge's hardness and coarse, open grain make it more challenging to work with than domestic hardwoods. It is prone to splintering along the grain, particularly when hand-planing or working against the grain. Sharp tools and working with the grain direction are essential. Wenge produces significant fine dust during machining — proper respiratory protection is important. The dark pigments in wenge can stain skin and light-coloured adjacent materials.
What finish is best for wenge?
Oil finishes and penetrating oils are traditional choices for wenge that enhance its colour and fill the open grain without building a thick surface film. For a higher-gloss result, a grain filler followed by varnish or polyurethane is appropriate. Wenge's dark colour means the grain filler colour must be matched carefully to avoid visible light-coloured filler in the open pores.
Does wenge have sustainable sourcing concerns?
Wenge is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to overexploitation of its habitat range in central Africa. Responsible sourcing from certified suppliers with documented chain-of-custody is important when specifying wenge. Windsor Plywood sources exotic hardwoods through established supply channels. Contact your local branch for information on the sourcing of specific exotic species.
Does Windsor Plywood carry wenge lumber?
Windsor Plywood carries wenge as a specialty exotic hardwood subject to current availability. Wenge is less commonly stocked than domestic species due to its specialty nature and sourcing considerations. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm whether wenge is currently available and in the dimensions required for your project.