Figured woods are a remarkable category of timber that captivate collectors with their intricate and visually striking patterns. Unlike regular plain-sawn woods, figured woods boast its extraordinary bewildering designs that mesmerizes the eyes and hearts. Captivating patterns and effects like shimmering waves, curly swirls, bird’s eye formations, or quilted textures (depending on the specific wood and its growth characteristics) reflects the tree’s history and unique growth conditions. Such inherent beauty is further enhanced when the wood is carefully crafted and finished, revealing the full splendor of its figure.
Figured Wood Effects
1. Burls
Burls are unique and highly prized growths found on certain trees. These irregular, rounded outgrowths result from stress, injury, or fungal infection during a tree’s development. Burls exhibit intricate swirling patterns and clusters of small knots, creating a mesmerizing and chaotic figure on the wood’s surface. The beautiful and unpredictable appearance of burl wood makes it a favorite for high-end furniture, turned objects, and decorative items.
2. Bird’s Eye
Bird’s Eye figure (a form of burl) is a distinctive and eye-catching pattern found in various types of wood. It consists of small, round, and dense patterns that resemble tiny “bird’s eyes” scattered across the wood’s surface. These captivating and elusive marks add a touch of elegance and intrigue to musical instruments, fine furniture, and specialty items.
3. Crotches
Crotches refer to the junctions where tree branches or limbs meet the trunk. Wood from these areas can display striking and dramatic figure patterns due to the varying grain orientations and changes in growth direction. Crotch wood often showcases fascinating and irregular swirls, making it a sought-after choice for unique and artistic woodworking projects.
4. Quarter-Sawn
With its straight and uniform grain pattern, quartersawn wood offers a timeless and sophisticated appeal. The distinctive ray or flake pattern that emerges on its surface adds a touch of elegance to fine furniture, cabinetry, and musical instruments. The stability and resistance to warping make quartersawn wood a reliable and beautiful choice for creating lasting masterpieces.
5. Quilted
Quilted Quilted figure creates a three-dimensional effect on the wood’s surface, resembling the patterns of quilted fabric. This distinctive figure is characterized by interconnected “quilt-like” patterns that appear to undulate across the wood, creating a mesmerizing and tactile appeal. Quilted woods, such as maple and sapele, are highly valued for their rarity and aesthetic charm in fine woodworking and decorative accents.
6. Spalted
Spalted (or Diseased) Wood that has undergone spalting, a natural process caused by fungi, displays unique and intricate dark lines and patterns on its surface. Spalted wood often features contrasting colors and creates visually captivating effects that resemble ink-like drawings. While spalted wood can be challenging to work with due to its softer and more brittle nature, it is prized for its artistic appeal in fine woodworking and artistic creations.
7. Fiddleback
Fiddleback, also known as “tiger stripe” or “ribbon stripe,” is a remarkable figure characterized by long, wavy stripes running parallel to the wood’s length. This stunning pattern resembles the graceful curves of a violin, hence the name “fiddleback.” Fiddleback figure is often found in woods like maple and mahogany, adding a touch of sophistication to fine instruments, cabinets, and veneers.
8. Flamed Wood
Flamed wood (similar to fiddleback), exhibits pronounced and wavy figure patterns that resemble the characteristic of a flame. This striking effect is often found in woods like maple and produces a visually dynamic appearance that adds depth and texture to woodworking projects.
9. Ribbon
Embrace the fluid grace of ribbon figures, where long, wavy stripes run parallel to the wood’s length. Reminiscent of the undulating curves of a violin, ribbon figures lend an artistic and harmonious touch to woodworking projects. Found in woods like mahogany and sapele, this effect adds depth and character to every creation, inspiring admiration and wonder.
10. Live Edge
Live edge wood is cut to preserve the natural shape and contour of the tree’s outer edges. The wood retains its bark and features the unique character of the tree’s growth, creating a rustic and organic look. Live edge wood is favored for creating distinctive and nature-inspired furniture and decorative pieces.
Figure in wood is caused by various factors such as irregular growth, changes in grain direction, and the presence of specific minerals or deformities in the tree during its growth. Each piece of figured wood tells its own story, and therefore prized for their aesthetic appeal and are highly sought after by woodworkers, artisans, and designers looking to create exceptional and one-of-a-kind pieces. Spontaneity in figured wood are treasured by wood workers and used often decoratively in a wide range of applications, which includes, furniture making, musical instrument crafting, cabinetry and architectural elements. The allure of these woods lies not only in their extraordinary appearance but also in the challenge and skill required to work with them.
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