Figures
Figure is either an inherent property of wood developed by weathering or a pattern in its growth rings and hence much sought after and valuable.
Burl:
Burls are obtained from the rare wood outgrowths appearing on trees around grafts/injuries. The unorganized grain in burl wood is beautiful but prone to wrapping and splitting. By slicing a burl into veneer, wood movement is kept under control by the adhesive and substrate.
Burls are obtained from the rare wood outgrowths appearing on trees around grafts/injuries. The unorganized grain in burl wood is beautiful but prone to wrapping and splitting. By slicing a burl into veneer, wood movement is kept under control by the adhesive and substrate.
Bird's Eye:
This is so called because of the eye shape marks found in many species of wood especially Maple.
This is so called because of the eye shape marks found in many species of wood especially Maple.
Cathedral:
Elegant and much sought after figure with grains forming a 'V' to 'U' in crown cut bundles.
Elegant and much sought after figure with grains forming a 'V' to 'U' in crown cut bundles.
Fiddle Back
Clearly visible and more or less regular streaks running across the grain in different species of wood e.g. Sycamore, Macore, Pear Tree & Ash is commonly known as "figured". The more regular the streaks, the more valuable the veneer is.
Clearly visible and more or less regular streaks running across the grain in different species of wood e.g. Sycamore, Macore, Pear Tree & Ash is commonly known as "figured". The more regular the streaks, the more valuable the veneer is.
Crotch:
Sometimes termed "curl" is formed by the intersection of limb or branch with the main trunk.
Sometimes termed "curl" is formed by the intersection of limb or branch with the main trunk.
Half-Cathedral:
Half of the structure with grains forming a 'half-V' to 'half-U'.
Half of the structure with grains forming a 'half-V' to 'half-U'.
Cluster:
Formed either by partially burled logs or rotary slicing.
Formed either by partially burled logs or rotary slicing.
Pommele:
Pommele is the French term for dappled and is especially apt for describing highly figured woods like Sapele, Dauka and Bubinga when the so-called quilted or blistered looks are present.
Pommele is the French term for dappled and is especially apt for describing highly figured woods like Sapele, Dauka and Bubinga when the so-called quilted or blistered looks are present.
Silver Figure:
Found in the heart of timber, it is a shiny looking surface.
Found in the heart of timber, it is a shiny looking surface.
Mottled:
Angular rays of shimmer with sharp edges; highly iridescent and creates a bold statement.
Angular rays of shimmer with sharp edges; highly iridescent and creates a bold statement.
Stripe Grain:
More or less contrasting colour stripes veining in the direction of the grain; this figure is obtained through the quarter cut.
More or less contrasting colour stripes veining in the direction of the grain; this figure is obtained through the quarter cut.
Features
A feature is a general characteristic of any lumber which is not developed by weathering of wood but is a part of its basic existence. Features could be pleasing or displeasing to the human eye as per every individuals's taste but should never be mistaken for a defect. |  |  |  |
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Defects
A natural defect in a lumber is observed due to extreme weather conditions or aging of the wood. Althoughcertain defects are not natural and are caused during manufacturing or polishing or storage.
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