Zebrawood

Microberlinia Brazzavillensis

Trade Names

Zebrawood, Zebrano, Zingana

Similar Woods

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Origin

West Africa

Range

Cameroon, Gabon, Congo, Equatorial Guinea, lower tropical rain forests.

Uses

Primarily sliced veneer, occasionally rotary cut for face veneer, used for furniture, luxury architectural woodwork, today used especially for dashboard paneling in the automobile industry. It is almost always quarter sliced.

Properties

The heartwood is light grey to yellow with distinct dark brown stripes. Greatly resistant to funghi, insect infestation (particularly termites) and the weather. Zebrawood is extremely dependent on fashion trends although it is a very decorative wood. Degrading are the so-called “barbed wire” lines which interrupt the black stripes. These effect the uniform appearance of the veneer.

Machining

The wood works easily with all tools. Knife blades are not dulled by the mineral deposits.

Seasoning

The wood must be very carefully dried at a controlled speed because it is very prone to checking and warping.

Finishing

When free of resin, Zebrawood varnishes and polishes well. The resin content, if too high, should be washed out before finishing.

Jointing

When free of resin, Zebrawood varnishes and polishes well. The resin content, if too high, should be washed out before finishing.
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