Hardwood • Exotic Species

Zebrawood Wood Guide 2026

Microberlinia brazzavillensis

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Species Team
|Sources & methodology
Last updated September 2026 · Reviewed by Lumberama Wood Species Team

Typically described as boldly striped African hardwood

Market Price Range

$19.00 – $30.00

per board foot

Bold striped grain. Best effect in quartersawn.

Prices are approximate market ranges and vary by grade, width, thickness, and region. Request a quote for current pricing.

Wood Appearance

Zebrawood natural grain

Natural Grain

Zebrawood finished surface

Finished Surface

Key Takeaways

  • Density: 35 lbs/ft³
  • Classification: Hardwood
  • Origin: Cameroon;Gabon
  • Common uses include Accent furniture, Veneer, Inlays

Quick Facts

Janka Hardness
1,830 lbf
Density
35 lbs/ft³
Wood Type
Hardwood
Origin
Cameroon;Gabon
Price Range
N/A
SoftHard

Representative reference values — natural wood varies by growing region, moisture content and individual board.

Durability, Stability & Workability

Decay resistance
Durable
Outdoor suitability
Limited
Dimensional stability
Moderate

Texture: Texture is coarse with an open pore structure.

Workability: It is prone to tear-out during planing and requires sharp cutters.

Fastening: Pre-drilling recommended for screws and nails.

Finishing: Open pores require substantial filling for a glass-smooth finish.

Color change: The light and dark bands darken over time with exposure to light.

Insect resistance: It is moderately resistant to fungal and insect attack.

Ratings and published values are representative reference figures. Natural wood varies with growing region, moisture content and individual boards — treat them as guidance, not guarantees.

Common Sizes & Availability

Typical market availability for Zebrawood. Lumberama is a sourcing marketplace — actual stock, widths and lengths vary by supplier. Request a quote to confirm what's available for your project.

  • 4/4rough 1"
    Surfaced
    13/16" (3/4" common)
    Widths
    Random widths from 4 to 8 inches are most common.
    Lengths
    Random lengths from 6 to 10 feet are typical.
    Request this size →
  • 8/4rough 2"
    Surfaced
    1-3/4"
    Widths
    Random widths from 4 to 8 inches are most common.
    Lengths
    Random lengths from 6 to 10 feet are typical.
    Request this size →

Availability notes: Available through high-end exotic lumber suppliers.

How lumber sizes are described
Rough (4/4, 8/4…)
Hardwood thickness in quarters of an inch as sawn, before surfacing. 4/4 = 1" rough.
Surfaced (S2S/S4S)
Thickness after planing. 4/4 typically finishes at 13/16" or 3/4".
Nominal vs. actual
Construction lumber is sold by nominal size; a 2x6 measures about 1-1/2" x 5-1/2".
Random width / length
Most hardwood is sold as it comes from the log — widths and lengths vary within a range rather than being fixed.

Color & Grain

Color: Light golden with dark brown-black streaks

Grain: Interlocked; coarse texture

Common Uses

  • Accent furniture
  • Veneer
  • Inlays

Key Characteristics

Also known as: Zingana;Zebrano

Availability: In Stock

Advantages

  • Janka indentation hardness: 1,830 lbf
  • Heartwood decay rating: Durable
  • Sourced from Cameroon;Gabon

Considerations

  • Pre-drilling recommended for fasteners
  • Hardness does not establish decay resistance or structural design strength
  • Availability may vary

Frequently Asked Questions

Alternatives to Consider

Species commonly specified for similar applications when Zebrawood is unavailable or over budget.

Related Species

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