Zebrawood is a type of durable hardwood that has distinct stripes that resemble those of a zebra. The creamy lighter wood contrasts beautifully with the darker brown stripes making zebrawood an eyecatching material to use for our watches and sunglasses.
This article will talk about the discovery and uses of zebrawood and why we love using it.
What is zebrawood?
Zebrawood, sometimes referred to as zebrano, originates from West Africa, though the name is also attributed to other types of wood with similar grains. It is a tough and durable wood from trees that, when mature, can get up to 100 – 150ft in height. The African species is usually found along streamsides, in rainforests, in coastal areas, and other lowland areas.
When quarter sawn, the contrasting grain presents as long, fairly uniform stripes similar to that of a zebra. When flat sawn, the grain appears more wavy and inconsistent.
The interlocking grain can make zebrawood difficult to work with. You won’t often see entire pieces made with this wood. More commonly, zebrawood will be used as a feature or inlay, i.e. for cabinet handles, instruments or a decorative panel.
What are the properties of zebrawood?
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Alternating hard and soft grain - this can make planing or surfacing zebrawood difficult. Transparent pore-filler can be used before sanding to get a smooth finish.
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Tough, durable wood - with a relatively high hardness rating, zebrawood can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
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Challenging to dry - due to the alternating grain, zebrawood can take a while to dry out completely.
Is zebrawood affordable?
Compared to other exotic hardwoods like ebony and rosewood, zebrawood is a more affordable option. Though not the cheapest wood you’d find on the market, for the striking beauty of zebrawood, you get more than enough bang for your buck.
Is zebrawood sustainable?
The amount of zebrawood available in the last few generations has dropped by over 20%. This has meant that zebrawood has been listed as ‘vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.
At Joycoast, our zebrawood is sustainably sourced from FSC-certified forests.
Is zebrawood water resistant?
Any Joycoast product made with zebrawood is splash resistant, but not water resistant. We wouldn’t recommend swimming or showering with your beautiful zebrawood accessories.
Caring for your zebrawood accessory
To ensure your zebrawood watch or sunglasses stay looking fresh, every so often, apply a small amount of natural wood oil to help preserve its finish and keep the grain vibrant. If you accidentally get something on your zebrawood accessory, clean it with a soft, slightly damp cloth and dry it immediately. Avoid exposing your piece to extreme temperatures or bright sunlight, as these can cause the wood to fade or warp.
Following these simple steps will help your zebrawood accessory age gracefully and remain a cherished favorite.
Why we love using zebrawood at Joycoast
At Joycoast, we’re drawn to materials that balance beauty, function, and sustainability — our sustainably sourced zebrawood hits the mark. Its bold, contrasting grain patterns mean no two pieces are the same, giving every watch, pair of sunglasses, or bracelet a one-of-a-kind look. Zebrawood is a conversation starter and a true reflection of nature’s artistry.
