Zebrawood
Microberlinia brazzavillensis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Interlocked, wavy grain with a very distinct large pore structure. Visible quartersawn figure creates the characteristic 'zebra' stripes/streaking.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light golden yellow with streaks of dark brown or black. Sapwood is a pale white. Color typically darkens and the contrast mellows slightly with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,575 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; resistant to rot and termites, though primarily used for indoor decorative purposes.
Common Uses
Veneer, fine furniture, cabinetry, tool handles, turned objects, and specialty items like eyewear or watches.
Geographic Origin
West Africa, specifically Cameroon and Gabon.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $25.00 to $40.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample; likely 1-5 years old since processing based on minimal oxidation and fresh rough-sawn surfacing.
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List) due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations; not currently CITES listed but availability is monitored.
Workability
Fairly difficult to work due to interlocked grain which often causes significant tearout during planing. It has a high silica content that can dull cutting edges quickly. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive unpleasant odor when being worked (often described as similar to wet straw or manure). Very heavy and stiff with high shock resistance.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss finishes like polyurethane or lacquer help pop the grain. Filling the large pores with a grain filler is recommended for a smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the dramatic dark brown alternating stripes on a light golden background, combined with the coarse texture and visible large vessel elements, are definitive for Zebrawood.