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● Sustainability and Availability
● Summary of Zebra Wood Pricing
● Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
>> 1. How much does zebra wood cost per board foot?
>> 2. Is zebra wood more expensive than other exotic hardwoods?
>> 3. Where does zebra wood come from?
>> 4. Is zebra wood sustainable?
>> 5. What are common uses of zebra wood?
Zebra wood, scientifically known as Microberlinia brazzavillensis, is a strikingly beautiful and exotic hardwood prized for its distinctive striped appearance reminiscent of a zebra's coat. Originating from the rainforests of West and Central Africa, this wood is widely used in luxury furniture, musical instruments, flooring, and decorative veneers. But how expensive is zebra wood, and what factors influence its price? This comprehensive article explores the cost of zebra wood, its characteristics, uses, availability, and sustainability considerations.
Zebra wood is a dense hardwood with a cream to golden-yellow base color interspersed with bold dark brown to black stripes. This natural pattern gives it a unique aesthetic appeal, making it a favorite among woodworkers and designers seeking exotic and visually dramatic materials. The tree can grow up to 150 feet tall, with a straight, cylindrical trunk that produces lumber with a coarse texture and sometimes interlocked grain patterns[1][2][10].
- Density: Approximately 50 lbs/ft⊃3; (805 kg/m³)[2][10].
- Janka Hardness: Around 1,830 lbf (8,160 N), indicating good durability and resistance to wear[2][10].
- Specific Gravity: Ranges from 0.67 to 0.81[2][10].
- Workability: Zebra wood can be challenging to work with due to its grain, which can cause tear-out during cutting, but it finishes with a high luster and smooth surface when properly handled[2][10][11].
Zebra wood's heartwood features a light brown or cream background with dark, almost black streaks that create a striped pattern. Quarter-sawn lumber tends to have narrower, more uniform stripes, while flat-sawn boards show wider, more erratic patterns[10][11].
Zebra wood's durability and striking appearance make it suitable for various high-end applications:
- Furniture: Tables, desks, cabinets, and decorative pieces[2][3].
- Musical Instruments: Guitar bodies, violins, drum shells, and woodwind instruments benefit from its acoustic properties and visual appeal[3].
- Flooring and Paneling: Durable flooring and wall paneling in both residential and commercial settings[2][3].
- Luxury Automotive and Boat Interiors: Dashboard veneers, trim accents, and yacht interiors[3].
- Handcrafted Items: Knife handles, jewelry boxes, picture frames, pens, and bowls[3].
- Architectural Elements: Doors, window frames, ceiling beams, and decorative panels[3].
Zebra wood is considered a premium exotic hardwood and is generally more expensive than many domestic hardwoods but less costly than some other exotic woods like rosewood or ebony[2][5][7][11].
- Lumber Pricing: Typical prices for quarter-sawn 4/4 (1-inch thick) zebra wood lumber range from about $20 to $30 per board foot depending on quantity and supplier[1][6][7][9][11].
- Bulk Discounts: Larger purchases (100+ board feet) often receive discounts, bringing prices closer to $17-$22 per board foot[6][7].
- Lumber Packs: Packs of pre-cut zebra wood lumber (e.g., 4 boards) can range from $86 to over $300 depending on thickness and size[1][9].
- Veneer: Zebra wood veneer is a popular alternative to solid lumber, offering a more economical option while reducing environmental impact[5].
- Exotic Origin: Being sourced from West and Central Africa, transportation and import costs add to the price.
- Sustainability Status: Zebra wood is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN, which affects harvesting regulations and supply stability, potentially influencing cost[2][5][11].
- Demand: Its unique aesthetics and use in luxury markets keep demand steady, maintaining moderate to high prices.
- Grade and Cut: Quarter-sawn lumber, which highlights the striped pattern better and offers more stability, commands higher prices than flat-sawn lumber[1][10][11].
- Size and Thickness: Larger, thicker boards and longer lengths cost more due to their versatility and reduced waste in projects[6][9].
Zebra wood's popularity has led to concerns about overharvesting. Although the species grows relatively fast and produces large trees, its population has declined by about 20% over the last century due to extensive logging[2][5][11]. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) lists it as vulnerable, prompting calls for responsible sourcing.
Veneers made from zebra wood are a sustainable alternative, as a single log can produce many thin sheets, reducing the need for solid lumber and minimizing environmental impact[5].
Zebra wood's coarse texture and interlocked grain require sharp tools and careful technique to avoid tear-out. It glues well and finishes to a high luster, making it ideal for fine woodworking projects[2][10][11].
While zebra wood is not highly toxic, it can cause allergic reactions such as skin and eye irritation due to dust and particles. Protective gear like masks and gloves is recommended when working with it[2].
| Product Type | Price Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 4/4 Quarter-Sawn Lumber | $20 - $30 per board foot | Prices vary by quantity and supplier |
| 8/4 Quarter-Sawn Lumber | $22 - $30+ per board foot | Thicker lumber costs more |
| Pre-cut Lumber Packs | $86 - $330+ per pack | Packs of 4 boards, varying sizes |
| Veneer Sheets | More affordable than solid wood | Sustainable alternative, thin slices |
Zebra wood is a visually stunning and durable exotic hardwood that commands a moderate to high price in the market. While it is more expensive than many domestic hardwoods, it is generally more affordable than some other exotic species like ebony or rosewood. Its price is influenced by factors including its exotic origin, sustainability status, demand in luxury markets, and lumber grade.
Due to its vulnerable conservation status, responsible sourcing and the use of veneer alternatives are encouraged to protect natural populations. For woodworkers and designers, zebra wood offers a unique combination of beauty, strength, and versatility, making it worth the investment for high-end projects.
Zebra wood typically costs between $20 and $30 per board foot for quarter-sawn lumber, with prices decreasing for bulk purchases[1][6][7][9].
Zebra wood is moderately priced compared to other exotic hardwoods. It is generally less expensive than rosewood and ebony but more costly than many domestic hardwoods[2][5][7].
Zebra wood is native to the rainforests of West and Central Africa, including countries like Cameroon, Gabon, and the Republic of Congo[2][10].
Zebra wood is classified as vulnerable by the IUCN due to population declines from overharvesting. Sustainable sourcing and using veneer alternatives help reduce environmental impact[2][5][11].
Zebra wood is used for luxury furniture, musical instruments, flooring, veneers, decorative items, and architectural elements due to its durability and unique striped appearance[2][3].
[1] https://www.woodworkerssource.com/lumber/zebrawood.html
[2] https://glamorwood.com/types-of-wood/zebra-wood/
[3] https://exoticwoodzone.com/blogs/e/what-is-zebrawood-good-for
[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puiTv7KgCg8
[5] https://oakwoodveneer.com/veneer-questions-answered.htmlall-about-zebra-wood-veneer/
[6] https://www.woodworkerssource.com/zebrawood/zebrawood-84-lumber.html
[7] https://woodvendors.com/zebrawood-lumber/
[8] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5NjWM5SPWs
[9] https://kjpselecthardwoods.com/collections/zebrawood
[10] https://www.wood-database.com/zebrawood/
[11] https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/species/zebrawood/
[12] https://ocoochhardwoods.com/lumber/zebrawood/
[13] https://www.advantagelumber.com/zebrawood.htm
[14] https://tehwoods.com/wood-shop/lumber/44-zebrawood-lumber-bf-price
[15] https://oakwoodveneer.com/veneer-questions-answered.htmlall-about-zebra-wood-veneer/
[16] https://www.woodworkingnetwork.com/wood/wood-explorer/zebrawood-popular-exotic-hardwood
[17] https://www.branchingoutwood.com/blog/whats-the-most-expensive-wood
[18] https://crlumber.com/product-category/figured-lumber/zebrawood/
[19] https://exoticwoodzone.com/pages/zebrawood
[20] https://www.woodcraft.com/blogs/wood/woodsense-spotlight-on-zebrawood
[21] https://www.rarewoodsusa.com/product/zeb1244/
[22] https://www.bellforestproducts.com/zebrawood/
[23] https://www.wood-database.com/zebrawood/
[24] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=enHxdJe3qbU
[25] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qmg2_uEAby4
[26] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMOj3gg2qU8
[27] https://www.reddit.com/r/woodworking/comments/xrq3w6/whats_the_most_expensive_single_piece_of_wood/
[28] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ev5eDv9YFIQ
[29] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CZbqYbTGLSk
[30] https://mx.pinterest.com/pin/royalty-flooring-on-instagram-did-you-know-zebrawood-is-one-of-the-most-expensive-woods-in-the-world-known-for-its-distinctive-striped-pattern-that-rese-video-video--921830617512332619/
[31] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mtCksXycZs
[32] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HoFuYp0BsBY
[33] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUaQMGccUBg
[34] https://www.youtube.com/live/uo4RTjloPzQ
[35] https://www.tiktok.com/@mytruwood/video/7207547547898907910
[36] https://barringtonhardwoods.com/collections/zebrawood-lumber-boards
[37] https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/zebrawood/
[38] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=03ayJRK0Jss
[39] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMb5GeLbPmo
