Zebrawood Collection Appeals to Discerning Designers
...and chairs, plus three accent tables, a Varberg side table, an Alborg end table and a Halmstad coffee table. The firm plans to eventually expand the series to include bar stools, pub tables, desks and desk chairs, TV stands and book shelves.
"The Zebrawood collection appeals to interior designers and customers who shop in boutique brick-and-mortar stores as opposed to typical mass market retail outlets," Henning says. "These are customers who are discerning about craftsmanship and also care about the back-end story of a piece. Often, they select items on an artistic basis, looking at it as not just a piece of furniture but also a piece of art."
"Based on the market response to the Zebra Series, we see great potential for use of zebrawood in other styles and other pieces," says Henning. "We are also experimenting with mixing materials and contrasting woods grains and colors to create special eye-catching effects."
Henning notes that the zebrano "pops" and makes a very dramatic statement when paired with more subtly grained woods or when a contrast effect is achieved by staining it with a black or white wash, or a walnut stain to bring out the grain. She adds that the mid-century modern style, which features sleek, smooth, uncluttered surfaces, is ideal to set off the bold, dramatic look of zebrano.
The zebrano wood Boraam Industries uses in its furniture manufacturing process is sourced from Malaysia. The raw wood is typically light yellow or pale brown and is marked by vivid, dark brown to black streaks of varying widths. When it is quartersawn, the wood's exciting alternating color pattern resembles the stripes of a zebra – hence its name. When flatsawn, the stripes will appear wavy and somewhat chaotic. Zebrano generally saws well, but it can be difficult to plane or surface due to its interlocking grain. Despite occasional open pores in the grain, it glues and finishes well.
When applied as a veneer, Zebrawood adds a rich, distinctive, exotic look that cannot be replicated by imitation wood. However, the Zebra Series remains an affordable luxury. "Veneer is far more economical than solid wood," notes Henning.
Because zebrano is not as expensive as other exotics such as ebony or rosewood, it is finding more use in applications such as wall paneling, custom furnishings, furniture trim and inlay, marquetry and turnery. It is also used on gun stocks, exotic guitars and even to add elegance and sophistication to luxury automobile interiors.
"We listen carefully to feedback from our customers and interact frequently with buyers at exhibits and trade shows," Henning says. "Our customers are telling us that the Zebra Series is stylish, charming, beautiful and that there is a strong market for it."
Maggie Henning, National Account Manager, Boraam Industries
www.boraam.com | Maggie@boraam.com | 1-877-267-2261
Frequently asked questions
Where does Boraam Industries source the zebrawood used in its Zebra Series furniture?+
Boraam Industries sources its zebrano wood from Malaysia. The raw wood is typically light yellow or pale brown with vivid, dark brown to black streaks of varying widths.
Why does quartersawn zebrawood resemble zebra stripes?+
When zebrano is quartersawn, the wood's alternating color pattern produces clean stripes that resemble a zebra's markings, which is how the wood got its name. When flatsawn, the stripes appear wavy and somewhat chaotic.
What pieces are included in Boraam's Zebra Series collection?+
The Zebra Series includes tables and chairs plus three accent tables: a Varberg side table, an Alborg end table, and a Halmstad coffee table. Boraam plans to expand the series to include bar stools, pub tables, desks and desk chairs, TV stands, and bookshelves.
Why is zebrawood veneer considered an affordable luxury?+
Veneer is far more economical than solid wood, allowing the rich, distinctive, exotic look of zebrawood to be achieved at a lower cost. Zebrano is also less expensive than other exotics such as ebony or rosewood.
What design styles and finishes best showcase zebrawood?+
Zebrano pops when paired with more subtly grained woods or when contrasted with a black or white wash or walnut stain to bring out the grain. The mid-century modern style, with its sleek, smooth, uncluttered surfaces, is ideal for setting off zebrano's bold look.
What are the woodworking characteristics of zebrano?+
Zebrano generally saws well but can be difficult to plane or surface due to its interlocking grain. Despite occasional open pores, it glues and finishes well.
What applications beyond furniture use zebrawood?+
Zebrano is used in wall paneling, custom furnishings, furniture trim and inlay, marquetry, and turnery. It also appears on gun stocks, exotic guitars, and luxury automobile interiors.