Burl Wood
The story behind the formation of burl wood products is just as fascinating as the unique texture and hue of the wood itself. If you’ve never seen burl altered lumber, you’ll immediately be struck by the strange beauty of the dramatic whorls found in the wood’s grain. It creates a pattern unlike any other, and each piece of wood is utterly unique.
Burl wood is created when the tree forms a knob, either near its roots or under the surface of the bark along the trunk. Burls are created when the tree undergoes some form of strain, such as an outbreak of fungus or an insect infestation. They take the form of knots that can grow to be very large indeed.
What’s extraordinary about these burls is that they are what causes the riot of swirls in the grain of the wood. This phenomenon is not common, however, and it’s even rarer among exotic wood species. This makes burl wood a rare, beautiful commodity.
There is more beauty to be found in these odd little burls. In some cases they actually get large enough to be able to make crafts out of the burls themselves. It’s not uncommon for manufacturers to create enormous slabs created from thick slices taken from the burl. These create a wonderfully natural, exotic look, as the outer shape of the burl is left unchanged, giving the impression that the surface is as close to nature as it can possibly be. Burl wood slabs are commonly used for tables, chairs, stools, countertops, desks, and more.
Burl wood can be found among several different types of exotic trees, from redwoods to eucalyptus. The patterns range from broad curves and eddies to tight, miniscule little swirls. Oftentimes you’ll also see eye shaped knots as well. As you can imagine, these patterns create a dramatic effect, especially with the more vibrantly hued woods, such as ambonya or paela.
However, if you want a more common alternative to burl wood that has a similar effect, there is a species of exotic wood that has similar patterns in its grain. Bird’s eye maple is a remarkably pale wood that takes to staining remarkably well. While the pattern is more subtle against its pale surface, adding additional color will bring them out dramatically.
Due to its rarity, burl wood is typically used in very small amounts, usually for small, decorative projects or as accents or borders. Regardless of why you choose to purchase this beautiful wood, you can rest assured you will be able to make an unforgettable statement.