Zebrawood Kitchen Cabinets – Distinctive, Ecologically Important & Easily Substituted
If you love the distinctive look of zebrawood kitchen cabinets but can't seem to find retailers who sell anything other than exotic wood veneers, there's a good reason!
Zebrawood, highly prized for its dramatic dark and light striped grains that resemble a zebra hide, is in short supply these days. There are numerous reasons why forests might be classified as endangered, but it's important to note that logging for timber alone does not make it such. There are in fact other factors, like slow growth, attractiveness and ecological function that may contribute to the rarity of a wood species.
Slow Growth
The Zebrawood tree, commonly found in West African rainforests, takes 30 to 80 years to be harvested. Compare this lengthy maturation to another wood, like bamboo (technically a grass), that similarly lends an exotic look to custom cabinetry but only takes 5 years to fully mature. Zebra wood's continued popularity in the Western world as a symbol of wealth and prestige has prompted reforestation efforts, but this pursuit is currently not keeping up with the demand.
Attractive
Scientists have recorded more than 15,000 species of mammals, and yet the zebra seems to be one of the most celebrated when it comes to fashion and home decor. Clothing trends are a good example - for generations, the zebra (along with leopard and snakeskin patterns) has inspired colorful prints invoking the wild side. Perhaps zebra is well-liked for it's distinctive color scheme, or maybe because zebras' patterns, like human fingerprints, are never exactly the same, making the wearer feel uniquely stylish. Whatever the reason, it's no surprise that a wood resembling this characteristic pattern would be wildly popular, too.
Ecological Function
A wood doesn't become classed as endangered or near extinction simply because it has a beautiful grain or because it grows slowly. An important factor is if it uniquely adds to the local ecosystem. According to ecologists, the zebra tree is believed to serve an important function for the West African soil in which it grows. It forms "ectomycorrhizal associations with soil fungi", which means it is vitally important for soil nutrient cycling, particularly of phosphorous.
Zebrawood Veneer
If you love the look of zebra in custom cabinets, and don't want to contribute to the extinction of a beautiful and important tree, your options come back to veneer for your zebra wood cabinet needs. You may wonder if veneers are just as good. The answer is a resounding yes. If manufactured correctly, engineered woods can be even better, as their glued layers create an equilibrium that ensure it shrinks and swells less than some "real" wood materials, which means zebra wood veneers will hold up fantastically in humid places.
Crossroads Custom Cabinetry redefines the U.S. cabinet industry by making premium quality, custom cabinets widely available at greatly reduced prices. Crossroads' team of professionals are dedicated to empowering the home improvement consumer community with superior products at factory direct prices. Webinetry.com is a completely new channel ushering in a new era for the way today's American consumer can research, preview, budget, and finalize their cabinet purchasing decisions online.