Zebrawood
Microberlinia brazzavillensis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain with a distinctive large-scale striped figure. Typically flat-sawn displaying wavy and somewhat coarse texture with dark brown to black streaks.
Color Description
Golden yellow to pale brown heartwood with prominent narrow streaks of dark brown or black. Sapwood is pale white and clearly demarcated. It may darken slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,575 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable to Very Durable; resistant to rot and termites, though primarily used for its aesthetic value indoors.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, high-end veneers, tool handles, musical instruments (mostly electric guitar tops/backs), and decorative turnings.
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
Freshly processed or recently surfaced lumber; lacks significant oxidation or graying associated with long-term exposure.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vu (Vulnerable) due to population reduction in natural habitats; not currently CITES listed but threatened by over-harvesting.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand tools due to interlocked grain which causes frequent tearout. High silica content can dull blades quickly. Glues and finishes well once surfaces are level.
Notable Features
Distinctive unpleasant odor when being worked (reminiscent of wet straw or manure); heavy and stiff with an excellent strength-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer works best to seal the open grain. A grain filler is often used to achieve a smooth, mirror-like finish.
Identification Confidence
High; the 'zebra-stripe' dark brown streaks against a light gold background, combined with the visible coarse texture and evidence of tearout in the rougher sections, are diagnostic of Zebrawood.