Zebrawood
Microberlinia brazzavillensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked grain providing a characteristic zebra-stripe appearance; some wavy or irregular figure is common in rift-sawn and quarter-sawn sections.
Color Description
Light golden-yellow heartwood with distinct dark brown to black streaks; sapwood is pale white and clearly demarcated. The color tends to darken or amber slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,575 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable regarding rot and decay, though it is susceptible to insect attack (insect-prone).
Common Uses
Veneer, fine furniture, cabinetry, boatbuilding, flooring, turned objects, and tool handles.
Geographic Origin
West Africa (primarily Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $25.00 to $40.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and width.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern cut (less than 10 years). The light color and lack of deep oxidation or mechanical wear suggest it is a contemporary stock piece.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vu (Vulnerable) due to population reduction; not currently CITES listed but often harvested in areas of concern.
Workability
Difficult to work by hand due to interlocked grain which causes frequent tearout. It glues and finishes well, although pore filling is often required for a smooth surface.
Notable Features
Unpleasant, pungent odor when being worked; high density/weight; distinct high-contrast aesthetic; can be prone to checking and warping during drying.
Finish Recommendations
Best suited for clear finishes like lacquer or polyurethane to showcase the grain. A sanding sealer or grain filler is recommended due to the large, open pores.
Identification Confidence
High. The high-contrast dark striping over a straw-colored background combined with the coarse, open-pored end grain is diagnostic of Zebrawood.