Zebrawood - Microberlina, brazzavillensis

Species Information / Zebrawood

The Species:

Flooring Trade Name: Zebrawood
Botanical Name: Microberlina, brazzavillensis
Lumber Name: Zebrawood
Grows In: Central Africa

Products Available in Zebrawood

See page below for a listing of all the products available in this specie: Products/Zebrawood

Description:

Zebrawood is typically sold in a quartered selection to maximize the contrasting striping that gives this wood its name. With distinct brown/black lines alternating between a tan colored background, Zebrawood is primarily used for design accents.

Color Range & Color Change:

Color Range: Zebrawood exhibits a wide range of color variation, as the name suggests.

Color Change: Zebrawood, over time, undergoes a medium degree of color change, with the ambering and darkening of the straw/tan background into a more golden brown base as the dark striping becomes even darker.

View WFI's Color Properties Chart below to compare this specie with other species: WFI's Color Properties Chart

View WFI's Zebrawood Photo Page for photos of the typical color range & change to be expected: Zebrawood Photo Page

Hardness:

Zebrawood is 125% as hard as red oak ( 1575 on the Janka scale vs.1260 for red oak ).

For hardness comparisons to additional species, please go to: WFI's Species Hardness

Where to Use:

Zebrawood is primarily used for accent strips, in patterns and wherever its bold striping provides the design element sought after.

Special Characteristics / Issues Specific to this Species:

Stability: Zebrawood is an unstable species and in very dry climates prone to shrinking unless well dried and equalized. For additional information, see:
WFI's Wood Properties Chart on the WFI Downloads page.
Finish Issues: (for site sanding/finishing only) - With some brands of Oil finish there have been cases of lengthy drying times reported. ALWAYS test the finish you propose to use FIRST on test pieces to insure compatibility. See WFI's Finish Recommendations on the WFI Downloads page before commencing any site finishing.
Safety/Allergic Reaction Issues: The dust of this species has been known to cause adverse respiratory reactions. See: WFI's Material Safety on the WFI Downloads page for safety issues with wood dust.
Other Characteristics/Issues specific to this species: none known at this time - see Feedback / Zebrawood on the WFI Site Map to see what others have experienced with this species.

Technical Information:

Note:

Additional Technical Information on this species can be accessed from the links below:
U.S. Forest Products Laboratory - Zebrawood Only
U.S. Forest Products Laboratory - to access all species