Why is burl so expensive?

Why is burl so expensive?

The surprising story behind the beautiful, rare wood. ... Because the grain is twisted and interlocked, burl wood is extremely dense and resistant to splitting. Burls have become so valuable that poachers have even been known to cut them from the side of trees in national parks, such as the ancient redwoods in California.

What is inside a burl?

A burl is made up of a tree's bud tissue that has not sprouted into foliage or grown into a twig. It has a woody or barked surface. As a burl grows, it incorporates the tree's undeveloped buds that surround it and folds them into its expanding form.

Are burls expensive?

Is Burl Wood Expensive? Because of its qualities, pieces made from burled wood or burled wood veneer are one-of-a-kind and can be quite expensive (especially large pieces like furniture).

Is burl wood rare?

Burl wood is unique and rare. Wood experts consider it to be extremely valuable. The value of the wood is measured on the size and type of tree it is coming from. Once the burls are taken from the tree they can be used for a number of projects.

Can you refinish burl?

How to Refinish or Repair Burl Wood Furniture. If you plan to repair and refinish the piece, you have a few options. ... If some of the burl wood is in great condition but some is damaged, you could paint part of the piece (like the top or the body) and leave the rest unpainted for a two-tone look.

How much does a burl sell for?

An eyed burl of large size may earn you $25 to $200. The actual price would depend on the size, condition, and species of the wood. However, you can find burl wood pieces 4 to 8-feet in diameter. These burl pieces can each bring $500 or so.

What is Burrwood?

Quick Reference. A malformation on the trunk of a tree, which could be several feet across, forming an irregular, dense wood. Burr from oak, maple, and walnut were used on furniture for inlay and veneers from the 16th century. From: burr wood in The Concise Oxford Dictionary of Art Terms »

Are burls bad for trees?

Burls are round to irregular bumps or bulges that develop on tree trunks. ... While burls do not kill trees directly they can reduce a tree's health and lifespan. The unusual swirling grain pattern found in burls makes them prized by woodworkers.

What do you do with a burl?

A single burl block can be resawn and mounted on a substrate to make a small-to-medium sized veneered panel, or added as an inlay into a larger project to contribute visual interest. Luthiers often use burl tops for guitar bodies or headstocks, and turners love burl pieces to make smaller items like pen blanks.

How much is a black walnut burl worth?

Depending on texture, weight, and size, the walnut burl can cost as much as $3,000 to $30,000. When you buy it from the store, the price you may have to pay may range from $2.00 to $1.80 per pound for the first and the second 1000-pound respectively.

What exactly is a burl?

• A "burl" is a large mass of woody material often found at or near the base of a tree, although not always. It has an irregular grain structure and can be caused by a variety of environmental factors such as injury due to fires or blunt force trauma, or stress caused by disease or insect infestation.

What is the meaning of Burl?

• burl - soft lump or unevenness in a yarn; either an imperfection or created by design. slub, knot. raggedness, roughness - a texture of a surface or edge that is not smooth but is irregular and uneven.

Where to find burl wood?

• The burl wood is a rare wood found in remote, mountainous areas of Russia. Its characteristics are second to no other wood found on this earth. Each slab is unique, but each will have curl, figure and “eyes” similar to those found in bird’s eye maple.

What is a burl on a tree used for?

• A burl is a growth on a tree that is a result of the tree being damaged. Burls have a different grain pattern than the rest of the tree, and they are often used for bowls, cups and unique crafts.