Answers to Your Questions
Everything you need to know before you inquire
About Burl Wood
A burl is a rounded, knotty outgrowth that forms on a tree in response to stress — usually a fungal infection, insect intrusion, physical injury, or environmental pressure. The tree attempts to seal the damaged area by rapidly multiplying dormant bud cells, creating a dense mass of highly contorted wood grain. When this burl is cut open and finished, it reveals breathtaking patterns that look nothing like the tree's normal grain.
Every species produces a completely unique burl character. Redwood burl has a distinctively warm, swirling figure in earthy reds and creams. Amboyna burl is dense and features exceptionally tight bird's-eye markings in vibrant amber and orange. Black walnut burl is dramatic and dark, with high contrast between the chocolate heartwood and cream sapwood. We describe the character of each species in detail in our Wood Species Guide.
Most of the burl material we work with comes from trees that have already been felled for other reasons — land clearing, storm damage, timber harvest, or arborist removals. In a few cases, burls are carefully removed from living trees in a way that does not endanger the tree, similar to pruning a large branch. We require full chain-of-custody documentation from all our suppliers and do not purchase material from known illegal sources.
Ordering & Commissions
Simply reach out to us through our Contact page or by email with a brief description of what you're looking for — the space you have in mind, any species preferences, your rough dimensions, and your budget range. We'll respond within one business day to schedule a free consultation call or video session to discuss in more detail.
Lead times vary based on complexity, species, and the drying status of available slabs. As a rough guide: small accent pieces in domestic species typically take 6–8 weeks. Medium statement panels take 8–14 weeks. Large-format or exotic species commissions take 12–20 weeks. We will give you a specific estimated timeline before you deposit, and we update you throughout the process.
We require a 50% deposit to confirm a commission and lock in your chosen slab. The remaining 50% is due upon completion, before shipping. Deposits are non-refundable after the slab has been milled, as the work will have begun. However, we are always willing to discuss circumstances if something comes up — we'd rather find a solution than have an unhappy client.
We accept credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, American Express), bank wire transfer, check, and PayPal. For large commissions over $5,000, we often prefer wire transfer to avoid processing fees. International clients typically pay via wire transfer. Payment plans can be arranged for commissions over $3,000 — just ask.
About the Work
Absolutely. Every burl slab is a unique natural object — no two burls produce the same figure, even from the same tree. When that slab is cut and finished, it becomes a completely unrepeatable work of art. We never re-order a "matching" piece; we can only create something similar in species and approximate style. Each piece comes with a Certificate of Authenticity confirming its unique, singular nature.
Natural voids, cracks, and "pockets" in burl wood are filled with marine-grade epoxy resin to stabilize the piece and prevent any future checking. The epoxy can be left clear (showing the wood underneath), tinted black, white, metallic gold or silver, or custom-colored to match your décor. Turquoise, cobalt blue, and emerald green are among our most popular custom colors. Commission clients choose their epoxy color during the design consultation.
Weight varies enormously by species and size. A 24" redwood burl round might weigh 8–12 lbs. A large walnut or amboyna panel could weigh 40+ lbs. Every piece ships with a precision-machined aluminum French cleat that distributes weight evenly and is rated for several times the piece's actual weight. We provide installation instructions with every piece and offer remote installation guidance if needed.
Practical Matters
Yes, we ship worldwide. International shipments are sent by FedEx International Priority in custom-built wooden crates, fully insured. Export documentation for CITES-regulated species (such as rosewood) is prepared at our cost and included with the shipment. Import duties and taxes in the destination country are the buyer's responsibility. See our full shipping policy for details.
Every piece ships fully insured for its full purchase value. Damage in transit is extremely rare given our custom crating — but if it happens, photograph the damage before removing the piece from the crate, save all packaging, and contact us immediately. We will manage the insurance claim on your behalf and either repair or replace the piece at no cost to you.
Ready-made pieces (if we ever have any) may be returned within 14 days in original condition at buyer's expense. Custom commissions are non-returnable, as they are made specifically to your specifications. However, we are deeply invested in your satisfaction — if there is any issue with a commission, we want to know immediately and will work with you to make it right. We have never left a client unhappy with a resolution.
Still Have Questions?
Our small team responds to every inquiry personally. There are no scripts, no automated responses — just people who love what they do and want to help you find the right piece.
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