Zebrawood
Microberlinia brazzavillensis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Interlocked and wavy grain with a coarse texture; presents as a ribbon-stripe pattern when quarter-sawn
Color Description
Heartwood is a light golden-yellow to medium brown with distinct dark brown to black streaks; sapwood is pale white and clearly demarcated; colors darken and contrast softens with light exposure and age
Hardness Rating
1,575 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; resistant to rot and termites, though the sapwood is susceptible to powder post beetle attack
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, veneer, flooring, boat building, and tool handles
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$20.00 to $35.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut to 2 years; the sample shows minimal oxidation but features surface residue and rough milling marks suggesting a raw state
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable due to population reduction; not currently CITES listed but regulated for trade in certain regions
Workability
Difficult to work with hand tools due to interlocked grain leading to frequent tearout; glues and finishes well but requires sharp blades and slow feed rates
Notable Features
Features a distinct, unpleasant odor when being worked; high density and weight; provides high contrast visual aesthetics but can be allergenic to some users
Finish Recommendations
Sanding sealer or grain filler is recommended due to large pores; takes clear coats, oils, and lacquers well to enhance contrast; avoid stains to preserve natural stripes
Identification Confidence
Medium; identifying features include the characteristic straw-colored background and dark longitudinal streaks on a rough-sawn surface, though the specimen is currently weathered with paint/residue.