Burl wood is a type of
wood used by artists to create sculptures and other items, such as
clocks and even some forms of furniture. Burl wood is highly prized
by artists because of its unique shapes and ring patterns. Burl wood
is a type of fast growing, abnormal growth found on some trees. Burl
wood grows because the tree has experienced some sort of
environmental stress or damage. This is often caused by either a
fungal attack or an attack by insects.
The number of trees that produce burl wood is quite low. In
addition, certain areas tend to create more burl wood than others,
because all or many of the trees in a particular location are likely
to be attacked by the same fungus or insects. Certain species also
tend to be more susceptible to attacks and, therefore, more likely
to develop burl wood. For this reason, certain types of burl wood
are more rare and prized than others.
Often, a tree that has developed burl wood is still quite
healthy. In fact, many trees with burl wood can go on to live for
many more years. Other trees develop burl wood offshoots that are so
large and heavy that they create additional stress on the tree and
can cause the tree to die.
When used in wood crafting, burl wood is removed from the tree,
preferably after the tree has already died in order to avoid killing
the tree. It is then cut open in order to review the pattern inside.
Sometimes, a single burl wood offshoot can produce several different
pieces for an artist to work with.
Some burl wood offshoots develop regular growth rings that simply
grow at an accelerated rate. This type of burl wood is not as sought
after by artists as other forms of burl wood, because the patterns
on this wood are not as interesting to look at. The majority of
woodworking artists prefer burl wood that grows in irregular
patterns that swirl and contain what are referred to as eyes
– small spots that develop on the wood. While pieces with unusual
patterns are the most desired form of burl wood, they are also the
most difficult to work with. This is because the irregular patterns
of burl wood make it harder to saw,
chisel, and cut without splitting the wood or accidentally cutting it in the
wrong direction.
