Burled Wood
Gnarly tree growths create burled wood's interesting shapes and patterns
Examples of burled wood are the atypical limbs and wood-grain patterns created by tumorous tree growths. Woodworkers use these unusual shapes and patterns for furniture and veneers.
The term "burled wood" typically brings to mind the swirling wood grain used in furniture in the form of solid wood or veneers.
Burled wood begins as a fast-growing tumor-like area of a tree, where the wood grain is abnormal and the surface is lumpy or gnarly.
This wood counter has both a burled suface and a live edge, meaning the outer surface of the tree has not been planed off and the natural outline remains.
A gnarly chair made from the burled wood of a tree root is naturally unique.
A typical straight wood grain is alternately displayed next to a burled wood pattern on this staircase, creating an interesting visual pattern.
Wood veneers are very thin sheets of wood shaved from broad expanses of lumber. In this kitchen multiple layers of the same burled pattern appear on the cabinet doors.
Wood veneer can be thin enough to be wrapped around objects without breakage, and sheer enough to allow light to pass through, as with this burled wood veneer drum shade.