Zebrano (Zebrawood)
Microberlinia brazzavillensis · Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Type
- Exotic/Tropical Hardwood
- Origin
- Central Africa (Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo)
- Hardness
- 1,575 lbf (Hard)
- Durability
- Durable; rated as durable regarding decay resistance and resistant to most insect attacks.
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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 & Appearance
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 (Janka)
1,575 lbf (Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Durable; rated as durable regarding decay resistance and resistant to most insect attacks.
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.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, decorative veneers, paneling, tool handles, boat building, and small turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Central Africa (Gabon, Cameroon, and Congo)
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.
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.
Notable Features
Distinctive unpleasant odor when being worked; high silica content can dull cutters; very high stiffness-to-weight ratio.
