Burl wood furniture design ideas – original artisan furniture pieces

Burl wood furniture looks incredibly impressive and has a remarkable appearance. The unique grain pattern is the main feature of this type of wood which is highly valued by designers and craftsmen. What is burl wood? What causes this phenomenon? What species come in burl varieties? We shall give you answers to these questions and show you some magnificent pieces which showcase the elegance of solid wood furniture.

 

Burl wood furniture design ideas

 

Solid wood furniture pieces are very popular not only in rustic interiors but as a spectacular accent in modern interiors. Burl wood furniture is the perfect choice when you want to add visual interest to your decor as they are very charming and instantly become a conversational topic. This type of wood is defined as tree in which the grain has grown in a deformed manner. Many people think that burls are found only at the stump of the tree, but they can be found throughout the whole tree and even in the branches of the tree. A burl is a rounded outgrowth on the trunk or the branches which is filled with knots, usually from dormant buds and can be underground as well.

What causes the wood to burl? Burls can appear as a result of many reasons and factors – an injury, virus, fungus, some kind of stress, insect infestation, mold growth or some other unknown reason. Burls, even if underground, are covered by bark and may appear in groups that are connected with roots. Despite the fact that a tree that has developed burls often the tree is still quite healthy and can go on living normally.

Which species have burls? Not many species develop burls. Typically those are Black Oak, Maple, Redwood, Chestnut tree (Buckeye), Walnut, Ironwood, Hawaiian Koa. Somespecies tend to be more susceptible to attacks while certain types are more resistant and rare which makes them especially valuable.

 

Burl wood furniture design ideas – warmth and beauty to complement your home

Burl wood furniture designs showcase the intriguing pattern in a variety of ways – dining tables, coffee tables, headboards, chairs and sometimes as a kitchen countertop. The unique beauty and grain pattern are sought after by furniture makers and artists for the original ring pattern and you may see beautiful inlays. The pattern is revealed after the burl is cut open. Artists and craftsmen say that this wood is more difficult to work with due to the irregular pattern and the knots and spots in the timber and that the wood is harder to cut, chisel and saw. Most of the furniture pieces are handmade and reveal the remarkable, unusual and intriguing grain. Look at the amazing furniture designs in the gallery below and enjoy!