Zebrawood
Microberlinia brazzavillensis • Exotic/Tropical
Grain Pattern
Usually interlocked or wavy. The most distinctive feature is the narrow, dark brown to black streaks against a lighter background, creating a "zebra" stripe effect. Quarter-sawn faces show the most uniform stripe pattern.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light golden-yellow to pale brown with narrow streaks of dark brown to black. Sapwood is distinct and pale white. The wood has a high natural luster. Colors tend to darken slightly and become more muted with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,575 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable. It is rated as durable regarding rot resistance and is moderately resistant to termites and other insect attacks.
Common Uses
Veneer, cabinetry, fine furniture, inlay, turned objects, tool handles, and small specialty wood items.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (primarily Gabon and Cameroon)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$20.00 - $35.00 per board foot depending on the intensity and straightness of the striping.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut. The clean, sharp edges and lack of significant oxidation or patina suggest this is a relatively recent kiln-dried blank, likely less than 5 years old since being processed.
Sustainability Status
Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations, caused by a decline in its natural range and exploitation.
Workability
Difficult. The interlocked grain makes it prone to tearout during planing or jointing. It contains a high amount of silica which can dull cutting edges quickly. It glues and finishes well, though large pores may require filling.
Notable Features
Distinctive, unpleasant odor when being worked, which dissipates once the wood is dry and finished. It has a high strength-to-weight ratio but is prized primarily for its aesthetic striping.
Finish Recommendations
Polyurethane or lacquer are common to protect the surface. Clear oils (like Tung or Teak oil) enhance the chatoyance of the stripes. A grain filler is recommended if a glass-smooth finish is desired due to the open pores.
Identification Confidence
High. The unmistakable contrast of dark, parallel streaks against a golden-tan background, combined with the coarse texture visible on the end grain, is a diagnostic characteristic of Zebrawood.