The fine, even vertical grain of zebrawood has a striking appearance. The bold look of the wood has made it popular with commercial businesses and homeowners alike. Zebrawood lumber has heartwood that is light brown or cream color with dark blackish brown streaks vaguely resembling a zebra’s stripes. Depending on whether the wood is flatsawn or quartersawn, the stripes can be either chaotic and wavy (flatsawn) or somewhat uniform (quartersawn).
Zebrawood A to Z
Also called zebrano and belonging to the Brazzavillensis species, zebrawood is quite dense and strong, making it a top choice for building boats, carving, skis, musical instruments, fine furnishings, and wood veneer. The species name comes from Brazzaville, the capital of the Republic of the Congo, where French botanist Auguste Chevalier first collected a specimen. While often found in the Republic of the Congo, zebrawood is more plentiful in West Africa.
Characteristics of Zebrawood
Zebrawood has an alternating dark and light striped pattern that can vary in size and spacing. The growth rings are subtle and do not correlate with the striping, which also has nothing to do with the growing season. Zebrawood typically has a few large vessels, and rays tend to be narrow and closely spaced but not noticeable to the unaided eye.
The dramatic striping of zebrawood is its most notable characteristic, giving it a bold look that stands out from other types of wood. Closely related to other African hardwoods like Beli and Ebiara, which are anatomically similar to zebrawood and feature similar colors, scents, and other characteristics, zebrawood has the most contrast and consistency, making it highly prized.
Zebrawood Veneer
Zebrawood veneer is made by slicing logs of the wood into wafer-thin sheets. The way the logs are cut can make a big difference in the look of the final product. Zebrawood veneer, for example, is generally quarter cut. The log is cut into quarters and then sliced at a right angle to the growth rings. This type of cut highlights the sleek striped zebra pattern that naturally occurs in zebrawood.
Wood veneer is made with real wood, so it can be treated with stains or dyes or finished with a protective coating just like any wood product. Most commonly, however, zebrawood is given just a clear finish to allow the creamy heartwood and rich dark streaks to take center stage.
Zebrawood is not a subtle wood and can be a visually stunning addition to any space whether used in furnishings like reception counters or as a focal point on a statement wall. At Jacaranda, we offer beautiful zebrawood veneers designed to bond securely even to curved surfaces and corners. Our veneer is made using the highest quality wood and crafted to reveal the beauty of each log. We use eco-friendly techniques both when harvesting the wood and when working with it for the sake of the earth and those living on it. Contact our team today to learn more!
