Zebrawood
Microberlinia brazzavillensis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Usually interlocked or wavy with a coarse texture. It features a very distinct, striped figure resembling a zebra, formed by dark brown growth rings against a lighter background.
Color Description
Heartwood is light golden-yellow to pale brown with narrow streaks of dark brown to black. Sapwood is pale white and clearly demarcated. The color typically darkens and deepens with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,575 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable. It is rated as durable for rot resistance and is moderately resistant to termite and insect attacks.
Common Uses
Veneer, furniture, cabinetry, luxury flooring, tool handles, boat building, and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
West Africa (primarily Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$20.00 - $30.00 per board foot depending on figure and width
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern. The clean edges and lack of significant oxidation or surface wear suggest it is a contemporary stock sample or a cut-off from a modern project.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations, caused by a decline in its natural range and exploitation.
Workability
Fairly difficult to work. The interlocked grain frequently causes tearout during planing or surfacing. It has a high silica content which can dull cutters rapidly. However, it glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Possesses a very distinct, unpleasant odor when being worked (resembling wet hay or livestock). It is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio and striking visual contrast.
Finish Recommendations
Finishing typically requires a grain filler due to large pores. Clear topcoats like polyurethane, lacquer, or oils are recommended to enhance the natural contrast of the stripes.
Identification Confidence
High. The characteristic 'zebra' striping and chaotic, interlocked grain seen in the sample are highly diagnostic of the Microberlinia genus.