What is Spalting?

 

Spalting is any coloration that occurs naturally within woods when they are exposed to fungi. The lines of growth are typically dark brown or black and can run throughout the entire tree or just one small section. Spalting is usually only seen in dead trees because it is the ideal environment for fungus to grow but living trees can still develop this. While the spalting does degrade the integrity of the wood itself, the unique coloring and pattern are gorgeous when finished. Extra care must be taken when working with raw spalted wood because it is mold growth that should not be inhaled.  Once the item has been finished, this is not a concern.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is a burl?

 

A burl is a type of growth that occurs on the outside of a living tree due to damage. This type of growth can occur naturally or it can grow in an area of the tree where it has been damaged. The unique designs seen in burls are caused by the tree attempting to grow new branches that are then forced to grow back into the growth itself. Any tree can form a burl, but the most common types seen are Maple and Buckeye.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Boxelder?

 

Boxelder is actually a type of Maple tree known as a Manitoba Maple. This type of Maple displays grain characteristics that loosely resemble burls due to the erratic growing directions of the limbs. Some Boxelder trees also exhibit an especially beautiful characteristic called a 'flame.' This 'flame' is technically a type of spalting and exhibits a pinkish-red line or lines that run throughout the wood and the coloration has a wide range of saturations. Typically this coloration is seen predominately in the center of the tree.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Curly wood?

 

Curly is a term used when a wood grain displays a characteristic ripple that shimmers in the light. The spacing and height of the grain vary from tree to tree which affects the end result. There is no way to know whether a tree displays this feature without first cutting into it. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Quilted wood?

 

Quilted wood is very similar to curly in that it displays a ripple that is very pronounced and a bit different in appearance. It produces the same shimmer effect that the curly woods do when moved. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Birdseye wood?

 

Birdseye wood refers to a distinct pattern in the wood grain that resembles a few or many swirling eyes. This type of feature is primarily seen in Maple trees but can occur in a few other species including, White Ash, Black Walnut, and Yellow Birch.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What is Figured wood?

 

Figured wood simple refers to a wood that displays one or more of the curly, quilted, or birdseye features.