Scale parts - Zebrano wood (Zebrawood) - straight -
Zebrano Wood (Microberlinia brazzavillensis)
Natural wood, not stabilized and not dyed.
The wood offered here has been properly dried.
Set of 2 scale blanks
- Dimensions: 140 x 40 x 20 mm
- Please note: The supplied block may differ from the photo. Dimensions may vary by a few millimetres.
Specifications
- Wood type: Tropical hardwood
- Origin: West Africa
- Hardness: Hard
- Grain: Interlocked, sometimes wavy
- Density: Approx. 740 kg/m3
- Strength: Strong
- Gluing: Bonds well
- Movement in service: Low
Description
Zebrano wood gets its name from its distinctive striped pattern, which resembles the markings of a zebra. This is why it is often called Zebrawood in English. The stripes are especially visible in quarter-sawn and faux quarter-sawn cuts.
As a tropical hardwood, Zebrano is suitable for outdoor applications such as doors, windows and frames. In addition to construction use, it is also popular among woodturners for creating decorative shapes and figures. One of its most common applications is veneer, especially quarter-cut veneer.
Working Properties
Because Zebrano has an interlocked grain, it can be more difficult to work with by hand or machine than straight-grained woods. On a planer, quarter-sawn material may sometimes splinter or tear out. Sharp tools are essential for achieving a clean result.
Durability
Zebrano is considered a durable wood species and falls into durability class 2. This means the heartwood has an expected service life of approximately 15 to 25 years under the right conditions.
Advantages
- Distinctive zebra-like grain pattern
- Finishes well
- Hard and heavy
Disadvantages
- Relatively expensive
- Interlocked grain can be challenging to work with
- Veneer may warp
Finishing
Sanding Zebrano can be labour-intensive, especially if tear-out has occurred during planing or chiselling. It is recommended to start with a coarse grit and gradually work toward a smooth finish. For the best result, sand the wood as finely as possible.
Applying oil enhances the wood’s deep, warm appearance and brings out the contrast between the dark and light tones beautifully.
