Zebrano (Zebrawood)
Microberlinia brazzavillensis · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central Africa (primarily Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo).
- Hardness
- 1,575 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable regarding rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack (specifically powderpost beetles).
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Grain Pattern
Interlocked or wavy grain; most distinctive in quarter-sawn surfaces which yield the characteristic parallel "zebra" stripes. Texture is fairly coarse with open pores.
Color & Appearance
Heartwood is a light golden-yellow to medium brown with narrow streaks of dark brown or black. The streaks can provide a high level of contrast. It has a high natural luster and is prone to slight darkening over time.
Hardness (Janka)
1,575 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable regarding rot and decay, though susceptible to insect attack (specifically powderpost beetles).
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $20.00 - $35.00 per board foot, depending on width and depth of figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Indeterminate; the sample appears to be a raw or minimally sanded board with fresh oxidation, likely sourced from contemporary lumber stock.
- Sustainability Status
- IUCN Red List: Vulnerable. Not currently listed in CITES Appendices, but conservation concerns exist due to habitat loss.
Common Uses
Veneer, furniture, cabinetry, luxury car interiors, tool handles, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (primarily Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo).
Workability
Difficult to work by hand. Machines well, but the interlocked grain can cause significant tearout during planing or surfacing. High oil content can sometimes affect gluing. Sands well.
Finish Recommendations
A grain filler is recommended to achieve a smooth surface due to large pores. Clear coats like lacquer or polyurethane best preserve the high-contrast stripes; oil finishes can significantly darken the lighter regions.
Notable Features
Features a very distinct, unpleasant odor when being worked. Known for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and striking decorative visual appeal.
