Zebrawood
Microberlinia brazzavillensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked or wavy grain with a coarse texture; distinctively striped appearance resembling a zebra, likely quarter-sawn to produce the straight, parallel lines seen.
Color Description
Golden yellow heartwood with streaks of dark brown to black. Sapwood is pale white and clearly demarcated. The wood develops a deeper, richer patina with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,575 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; resistant to rot and termites, though primarily used for indoor decorative purposes.
Common Uses
Veneer, fine furniture, cabinetry, luxury flooring, tool handles, boat building, and musical instruments (guitar backs/sides).
Geographic Origin
Central Africa, specifically Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$20.00 to $35.00 per board foot depending on thickness and quality of the figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern processing; the sample appears relatively young (under 10 years processed) based on the clarity of the stripes and lack of deep oxidation or wear.
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List); not currently CITES listed but threatened due to habitat loss and over-harvesting. FSC certification is limited.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand tools due to interlocked grain; prone to tearout during planing. Glues and finishes well, though large pores may require grain filling.
Notable Features
Distinctive unpleasant odor when being worked (reminiscent of wet straw or animal musk). High density and weight with a high silica content that can dull tool blades quickly.
Finish Recommendations
Clear coats such as polyurethane, lacquer, or oil-based finishes work best to highlight the figure. Grain filling is recommended for a glass-smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High; the bold, alternating dark and light parallel stripes in a quarter-sawn orientation are classic and highly diagnostic features of Microberlinia brazzavillensis.