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Beli (Zebrawood alternative)
Beli is a striped, light-to-medium brown hardwood with darker ribboned lines—delivering a zebrawood-style look at a more budget-friendly price. The interlocked grain shows best on quartersawn faces and typically machines with less tear-out than zebrawood, which helps when you need clean edges and crisp joinery. It finishes clearly with a moderate natural luster and suits cabinetry, furniture, veneer, and accent work.
Specifications:
- Common Name(s): beli
- Scientific Name: Julbernardia pellegriniana
- Distribution: Cameroon and Gabon (west-central Africa).
- Tree Size: 3–5 ft (1.0–1.5 m) trunk diameter, 65–100 ft (20–30 m) tall
- Average Dried Weight: 48 lb/ft3 (770 kg/m3)
- Janka Hardness: 1, 480 lbf (6, 580 N)
Grain/Texture:
Grain: Typically interlocked.
Texture: Medium to coarse with a moderate natural luster.
Texture: Medium to coarse with a moderate natural luster.
Rot Resistance:
Rated moderately durable; generally good performance with moderate resistance to insect attack.
Workability:
Interlocked grain can cause tear-out when planing; otherwise machines, glues, and finishes well.
Common Uses:
- Furniture
- Accent Pieces / Custom Furniture
- Cabinetry
- Veneer
- Interior / Exterior Trim & Millwork
Beli is a more economical, though much less commonly found commercially, substitute for zebrawood, with similar striped figure on quartersawn faces.