Zebrawood
Microberlinia brazzavillensis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Interlocked with a wavy texture; features a distinctive 'zebra-stripe' quartz-sawn or flat-sawn figure across the face grain.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light golden-yellow to medium brown with dark brown to blackish streaks. Sapwood is a pale white. Color deepens and warms with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,575 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; naturally resistant to rot and termites, though primarily used indoors due to cost.
Common Uses
Furniture, veneers, cabinetry, decorative luxury items, tool handles, and premium automotive interiors.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$20.00 - $35.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern harvest (recent vintage); grain sharpness and lack of severe oxidation suggests the wood is 1-5 years post-processing.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable; high demand and limited habitat range make it a species of conservation concern. Not currently CITES listed.
Workability
Challenging due to interlocked grain which often causes tearout during planing; high silica content can dull blades quickly. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Produces a distinct, somewhat unpleasant odor during woodworking; high density and unique aesthetic appeal; can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane, lacquer, or oil-based finishes work best to highlight the figure. A sanding sealer is recommended to manage the large pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the bold, alternating dark-and-light striping pattern combined with the visible coarse texture is characteristic of Microberlinia species.