Zebrawood

Zebrawood, also known as Zebrano, is a decorative wood from several species of trees. The most common source is Microberlinia brazzavillensis and Microberlinia bisulcata, both native to Central Africa, particularly Gabon and Cameroon. These trees are typically large, reaching heights of 100-130 feet and diameters of 4-5 feet.

The heartwood of Zebrawood is a light golden yellow with narrow, dark brown or black stripes, resembling the markings of a zebra, hence the name. The sapwood is lighter in color, usually creamy white and is clearly demarcated from the heartwood.

Zebrawood is a hardwood, generally straight-grained or slightly interlocked, with a coarse texture. It has a good natural luster. The wood is moderately durable and resistant to decay, but susceptible to insect attack. It can be somewhat difficult to work due to its interlocked grain, which can cause tearout during machining, and gluing can also be problematic. It finishes well with appropriate preparation.

Zebrawood is primarily used for decorative veneers, furniture, cabinetry, paneling, and specialty items like tool handles, skis, and automotive trim. Its distinctive and striking appearance makes it a highly prized wood for accent pieces and applications where visual appeal is paramount. Due to its cost and limited availability of wider boards, solid Zebrawood is less commonly used for large-scale projects.