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Zebrano wood comes from the Microberlinia family of trees found in Gabon and Cameroon. It has alternating light and dark stripes and is used for decorative purposes. It can be difficult to work with and may produce an overpowering odor. It is considered an exotic and threatened species.
The alternating light and dark stripes of zebrano wood make its name seem appropriate enough. While there are numerous trees that can produce products marketed as zebrawood, authentic products are generally recognized as those that come from trees in the Microberlinia family. These are found near river banks in the African countries of Gabon and Cameroon. This wood can also be called Zebrano, African Zebrano and Zingana.
Zebrano comes from trees that can grow up to 150 feet tall (45.7 m) with trunks that can be 4 to 5 feet (1.2 to 1.5 m) in diameter. They tend to have thick bark and produce heavy, hard wood with a regular texture. These trees are resistant to termites and many other insect species.
Dark streaks can range from shades of brown to black. The lighter stripes generally range from cream to soft yellow. The streaks can be relatively consistent in some pieces, but this may not always be the case. Some zebrawoods have highly variable striping with some lines being much thicker than others.
Zebrano is considered an exotic wood. It is also considered a threatened species. Wood is used largely for decorative purposes such as furniture finishes and wall coverings. It’s also used for specialty items like guns, guitars, and pens. Supplies may be available for use on larger projects, however, the price may be restrictive in this regard.
Carpenters often find it easier to cut wood than to work with it afterwards. There are several reasons why zebrano wood is generally not considered the easiest wood to work with. While it is stable and rigid, it tends to have alternating hard and soft textures. It will tear if a carpenter tries to plane it. Finishing can also be very difficult.
When this wood is cut, it produces an odor that may even make its animal name seem appropriate. For some people the smell is overpowering, but it generally fades once the wood has dried. Zebrano wood can also produce allergic reactions in some people. Exposure can cause varying degrees of skin and eye irritation.
Wood can generally be glued without much trouble. Many who have experience with wood say that the best results can be expected when using hand tools. We also recommend using a belt sander to get the best finish.
