Zebrawood
How the Wood Scale Works
The scale above displays the measured values for this species of wood compared to Oak – a wood species most people are familiar with.
The red line shows the value for this wood, while the tan line represents the baseline value for Oak.
Common Names:
Zebrawood, Zebrano
Scientific Names:
Microberlinia brazzavillensis
Appearance:
Heartwood is a light brown or cream color with dark blackish brown streaks vaguely resembling a zebra’s stripes. Depending on whether the wood is flatsawn or quartersawn, the stripes can be either chaotic and wavy (flatsawn), or somewhat uniform (quartersawn).
Grain:
Has a fairly coarse texture and open pores. Grain is usually wavy or interlocked.
Durability:
Heartwood is rated as durable and is also resistant to insect damage.
Scent:
Has a characteristic, unpleasant smell when being worked.
Safety:
Although severe reactions are quite uncommon, Zebrawood has been reported as a sensitizer. Usually most common reactions simply include eye and skin irritation.
Availability:
Zebrawood tends to be fairly expensive, though usually not as prohibitively expensive as other exotics such as Ebony or Rosewood.
Other Comments:
Zebrawood is strong and stiff, with a fairly high density. Stability is below average for a tropical exotic wood. Zebrawood is frequently quartersawn and used as veneer. Other uses include: tool handles, furniture, boatbuilding, and skis.
