Zebrawood (Microberlinia brazzavillensis) is a striking African hardwood known for its dramatic pale golden-yellow background with dark brown to black grain stripes, resembling a zebra's coat. It is popular for decorative veneers, furniture accents, knife handles, flooring, and turning projects.

Zebrawood features a pale golden or straw-yellow background with bold dark brown or black streaks running in a wavy or ribbon-like pattern. Quartersawing produces the most dramatic stripe effect. The contrast between light and dark makes Zebrawood one of the most visually distinctive exotic hardwoods available.

Zebrawood has a Janka hardness of 1,575 lbf (7,000 N), making it harder than most domestic hardwoods including Hard Maple. This hardness, combined with its visual appeal, makes it suitable for high-wear applications like flooring and furniture where both durability and aesthetics are priorities.

Zebrawood is native to the tropical forests of west-central Africa, primarily found in Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo. It grows in lowland tropical rainforests and is harvested for both lumber and veneer production.

Zebrawood is primarily used as a decorative accent wood in veneers, furniture, cabinets, flooring, knife handles, pens, and woodturning. Its dramatic striped figure makes it ideal as a feature material in mixed-species projects. Solid Zebrawood furniture is also produced, though veneer is more common due to the cost of wide clear boards.

Zebrawood presents some challenges in working. It has interlocked grain that can cause tearout during planing or routing. Sharp tools, light passes, and careful grain reading are recommended. It glues well, stains unevenly, and responds best to clear finishes that preserve its natural striped appearance.

Clear oil-based finishes, lacquers, or hardwax oils work best on Zebrawood, allowing its natural striping to remain the focal point. Staining is generally not recommended, as the open pores absorb unevenly. A sealer coat followed by light sanding and a topcoat produces the best results.

Zebrawood is a moderately expensive exotic hardwood, priced higher than domestic species due to its limited geographic range and high demand. Veneer sheets are significantly more affordable than solid lumber, making Zebrawood veneer a cost-effective way to incorporate its striking figure into projects.

Zebrawood is of conservation concern due to intensive harvesting and habitat loss in its native range. It is not currently listed under CITES.

Yes, Zebrawood flooring is available and makes a dramatic statement due to its striking pattern. Its Janka hardness of 1,575 lbf provides excellent durability. Because the striping can appear busy in large floor areas, it is often used as a feature inlay or bordered strip rather than wall-to-wall flooring.