40+ Species Available
The living palette of the natural world
What is a Burl?
A burl forms when a tree is subjected to some type of stress — fungal infection, physical injury, insect attack, or environmental hardship. The tree responds by growing a dense, chaotic cluster of dormant buds that produces the irregular, contorted grain figure unique to burls.
The resulting wood is dramatically different from the tree's straight-grained trunk wood. Burl grain swirls in complex three-dimensional patterns, creating the "eyes," "pockets," and "flames" that make each slab a completely unique piece of natural art.
Burls can range in size from a baseball to a mass weighing several tons. The largest burls are found on redwoods and elms. The rarest and most prized figure is called "bird's-eye" — tiny circular indentations that look like tiny eyes scattered through the wood.
Tiny circular patterns caused by abnormal growth. Extremely rare and highly prized. Found most often in maple and amboyna.
Wavy, undulating grain that seems to dance when viewed at different angles. Common in walnut and myrtle burls.
Oval depressions left where dormant buds failed to develop. A hallmark of true burl, distinct from figured or quilted wood.
Many burl species exhibit a silky, shifting sheen under light. This optical property called chatoyance makes the wood appear to glow.
Our Inventory
This is a representative selection of species available for commissions. Contact us to ask about a specific species not listed here.
Exotic Species
The world's most coveted burl wood. Dense, heavy, and extraordinarily figured with vibrant orange-amber tones and tight bird's-eye pattern.
Borneo / PhilippinesHarvested from the root zone of the African thuya tree. Shimmering gold-honey tones with exceptional luster and a wildly active figure.
Morocco / AlgeriaPacific myrtle produces burls in warm amber to deep chocolate with swirling figure and occasional streaks of forest green.
Oregon Coast, USACreamy white to golden yellow with dark brown streaks. Among the hardest burl woods, olive takes a brilliant high polish.
Mediterranean EuropeDeep purple-brown with black streaks and an intoxicating fragrance. Brazilian rosewood burl is one of the rarest materials we work with.
Brazil (legally sourced)Pale cream to honey gold with dramatic figure. Ash burl is exceptional for large-format panels due to its stability and wide slabs.
Europe / North AmericaDomestic Species
California's iconic burl. Lightweight and remarkably workable, with complex swirling figure in warm cinnamon and russet tones.
Northern California, USAThe quintessential American prestige wood. Chocolate-brown with dramatic swirling grain and striking contrast with cream sapwood.
Eastern North AmericaSoft creamy white to warm honey. Maple burl is prized for its exceptional bird's-eye figure and incredible workability.
Northeastern USA / CanadaCherry burl deepens richly with age from pale salmon to deep reddish-amber. One of the most photogenic domestic burls.
Eastern USASelect Your Species
Our studio team is delighted to help you choose the right species for your space, budget, and aesthetic vision. We offer complimentary sample viewing by appointment.
Contact the Studio