Zebrano (Zebrawood)
Microberlinia brazzavillensis • Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Interlocked or wavy grain, characterized by a strikingly regular striped pattern resembling a zebra; often quarter-sawn to produce straight, parallel stripes.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light gold to pale brown with narrow, dark brown to black streaks. Sapwood is a pale white. The wood has a high natural luster and the dark stripes may deepen slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
1,575 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Durable; rated as durable regarding decay resistance and resistant to most insect attacks.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, decorative veneers, paneling, tool handles, boat building, and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$20 to $30 per board foot for high-quality lumber; higher for large veneer sheets.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample; appears relatively fresh with no significant oxidation or wear patinas, though surface drying checks are visible.
Sustainability Status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable due to a population reduction of over 20% in the last three generations. Not currently CITES listed.
Workability
Difficult to work with hand tools due to interlocked grain which causes frequent tearout; glues and finishes well but can be difficult to plane smooth.
Notable Features
Distinctive unpleasant odor when being worked; high silica content can dull cutters; very high stiffness-to-weight ratio.
Finish Recommendations
Transparent finishes like lacquer, polyurethane, or clear oils to highlight the contrast in stripes. A grain filler is often recommended due to large open pores.
Identification Confidence
High; the 'zebra-stripe' alternating dark and light bands combined with the coarse texture are diagnostic of the Microberlinia genus.