Zebrawood
Microberlinia brazzavillensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a characteristic "zebra stripe" sequence. The sample shows a quarter-sawn orientation which produces the most distinct, consistent parallel stripes.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light golden-yellow to pale brown with narrow streaks of dark brown to black. Colors tend to darken with age and UV exposure; the wood has a coarse texture and high natural luster.
Hardness Rating
1,575 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable. It shows good resistance to rot and termites, though it is rarely used in outdoor structural applications due to its high cost and expansion/contraction movement.
Common Uses
Veneer, high-end furniture, cabinetry, luxury car interiors, tool handles, boat building, and turning.
Geographic Origin
West Africa (primarily Cameroon and Gabon)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$25.00 - $40.00 per board foot.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively modern stock (under 10 years). The wood lacks heavy oxidation or deep patina, and the sharp mechanical milling marks indicate industrial processing.
Sustainability Status
Vulnerable (IUCN Red List). While not currently CITES listed, it is subject to harvesting restrictions in native countries and is available as FSC certified from limited sources.
Workability
Difficult. The interlocked grain is highly prone to tearout during planing or surfacing. It has a high silica content which dulls cutters rapidly. Gluing is generally good, but finishing requires grain filler due to large open pores.
Notable Features
Distinctive unpleasant odor when being worked (often described as smelling like wet hay or animal manure). It has a very high strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Clear coat finishes like lacquer or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the contrast. Solvent-based sealers are preferred to ensure adhesion to natural oils; grain filling is usually necessary for a smooth surface.
Identification Confidence
High. The high-contrast, dark longitudinal stripes on a light background combined with the coarse, open-pored grain structure are diagnostic characteristics unique to Zebrawood.