Species and wood science
Burl
Burl is a rounded growth with swirling, irregular grain, often containing voids, eyes and bark inclusions.
What it means#
Burl grows as a deformed mass on a tree, often after injury, stress, or abnormal bud growth. Inside, the grain swirls and forms eyes rather than straight lines.
Why buyers care#
Burl can produce striking veneer, turning blanks, boxes, and small feature panels. Full slab caps are rarer. Voids, bark inclusions, cracks, and uneven density are normal, not automatic defects.
What to check#
Check scale carefully, because many burl pieces are blocks or caps rather than flat slabs. Look at both faces, edge thickness, void depth, and whether the piece needs filling, backing, or careful support during machining.
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