Zebrawood
Microberlinia brazzavillensis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Interlocked or wavy grain with a coarse texture; characterized by a very distinct striping pattern like a zebra.
Color Description
Heartwood is light golden-yellow with narrow streaks of dark brown to almost black. Sapwood is pale white and clearly demarcated. Tends to darken slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,575 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; heartwood is resistant to termite attack.
Common Uses
Veneer, fine furniture, cabinetry, boat building, tool handles, and turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$20.00 - $35.00 per board foot
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (5-10 years) based on lack of heavy oxidation and typical contemporary veneer thickness.
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List); not listed in CITES appendices but regulated for sustainable harvest in some regions.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand tools due to interlocked grain which often causes tearout; glues and finishes well but requires sharp blades.
Notable Features
Features a very distinctive, unpleasant odor when being worked; high natural luster.
Finish Recommendations
Clear coats like polyurethane or lacquer are recommended to preserve the striking contrast; sanding sealer is advised due to open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the high-contrast parallel striping and coarse texture are quintessential markers of Microberlinia species.