Zebrawood
Microberlinia brazzavillensis · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- West Africa (Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo)
- Hardness
- 1,575 lbf; Hard classification
- Durability
- Durable; heartwood is rated as durable and also resistant to termite attack, though not as resistant as other tropical species to marine borers.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Interlocked or wavy grain; the sample shows a distinct striped pattern created by the contrast between latewood and earlywood, typical of flatsawn or quartersawn Zebrawood.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light gold to pale brown with narrow streaks of dark brown to almost black. Sapwood is distinct and pale white; the wood may darken slightly with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
1,575 lbf; Hard classification
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable; heartwood is rated as durable and also resistant to termite attack, though not as resistant as other tropical species to marine borers.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $20.00 to $35.00 per board foot depending on figure and width.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent milling; the surface shows fresh saw marks and limited oxidation or patina typical of stored lumber.
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations; not currently CITES listed but availability is monitored.
Common Uses
Veneer, furniture, cabinetry, flooring, boatbuilding, tool handles, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
West Africa (Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo)
Workability
Fairly difficult to work due to interlocked grain which causes frequent tearout during planing. It glues and finishes well, but the large open pores usually require filling for a smooth finish.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear coat finishes like lacquer or polyurethane; a grain filler is highly recommended to achieve a level surface due to the large vessels visible in the end grain.
Notable Features
Distinctive unpleasant smell when being worked, which dissipates once finished. High density and coarse texture with large open pores.
