Why is burl wood so expensive?

Burl 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.

Moreover, are tree burls worth money?

Most burls, especially layered burls, are not particularly valuable. On the other hand, a larger eyed burl in good condition should bring $25 to $200 depending on size, species and condition. I have had burls up to 8 feet in diameter, and many in the 4-5 foot range. Those can be worth $500 or more.

Similarly, how do you price a wood burl? Buckeye Burl -whole burls, 2' to 6' in diameter, 24" to 36" high. Price $1.90 per pound up to 1000 pounds. $1.85 for 1,001 to 2,499 pounds. $1.80 per pound for 2,500 pounds or more.

(707)-725-3982.

Straight Grain	$10 per board foot
Curly Wood	$15per board foot
Birdseye	$25 per board foot
Lace Burl	$35 per board foot

Also to know, what causes tree burls?

A burl results from a tree undergoing some form of stress. It may be caused by an injury, virus or fungus. Most burls grow beneath the ground, attached to the roots as a type of malignancy that is generally not discovered until the tree dies or falls over.

Is burl wood rare?

Burl wood comes from different types of trees. The most common are redwood, maple, walnut, oak and cherry. Every piece of burl wood is unique, and this is one reason they are considered rare and valuable. They come in a variety of sizes and have different grains and color of wood.

30 Related Question Answers Found

Does cutting a burl off a tree kill the tree?

Woodstock, Ga. U.S.A. From my experience in the landscaping industry, cutting the burl off won't necessarily kill the tree, but the big spot missing the bark WILL leave it open to all kinds of potentially deadly disease and insect problems.

How can you tell if wood is Burl?

Burls can be identified by sight and touch.

Walk near trees to observe their roots.
Examine the tree trunks.
Touch the bark on the suspected burl if you can reach it.
Look up and observe the tree branches.
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What kind of trees have burls?

Common burl species include redwood, oak, ash, maple, madrone, elm and walnut. Some exotics with very popular burls are mappa (poplar burl), thuya and imbuya, and there are MANY more. redwood burl veneer, bookmatched, and a vase made from a redwood burl.

What does a burl look like on a tree?

They look like spherical bulges that are covered in bark. These unusual growths are known as burls. While burls usually start out small, they can grow to be quite large. Burls on redwood trees, for example, can grow large enough for new trees to sprout from!

Where can I find a Burl?

Burl wood can be found anywhere on the tree but is predominantly found on the trunk, the tree base and even as a rounded underground outgrowth. The speciality of burl wood is that the grain grows in an entirely differently distorted and unusual manner.

How do you clean wood burls?

Clean burled wood that is sealed with polyurethane by adding mild dish soap to warm water. Dip a clean, lint-free cloth into the solution and wring it out until it is damp. Wipe the surface of the burled wood, and then dry it with a second clean cloth.

What tree is worth the most money?

Trees used for veneer purposes are the most valuable. Walnut trees are always one of the most demanded trees in the wood industry. Oaks, maples, cherry, and ashes are also valuable trees. A high quality veneer tree with a large diameter can be worth a lot, but they are rare.

How is burl wood made?

Burl wood results from harvesting a tree or a portion of a tree that has a burl. A burl is a growth on a tree formed from unsprouted bud tissue. The burl forms large, knobby looking growths on the base and trunk of the tree. Stress caused by injury, fungus, virus, or insects creates intense grain patterns.

Can trees get cancer?

A. “Plants don't get cancer like animals do,” said Susan K. Pell, director of science at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, “and the tumors they do get do not metastasize because plant cells don't move around.” Rather, they are held in place by cell walls. The resulting growths are visible on trees in Brooklyn and elsewhere.

What is maple burl wood?

Maple burl is a growth on the big leaf maple tree, Acer macrophyllum. It has a uniform color with dramatic figure representing large eyes. Popular for pool cues an other turnery, this wood machines and finishes well.

What is cherry burl?

Cherry Burl is a domestic wood that is usually considered to be in the same class as mahogany for usage in the United States. It is described as wood for fine furniture. The stiff and strong wood is reported to work easily with both hand and machine tools.

What causes burls on oak trees?

Burls can happen on oak trees, usually white oaks. They are caused by the fungus phomopsis. Burls are large swellings on the limbs and trunk. Sometimes, they occur naturally over young buds.

What is a tree knot?

Knots are visible imperfections in wood grain that are circular and darker than the surrounding area. When a board is cut vertically from a tree trunk, the knot will resemble a circle of abnormal wood that was once the base connection of a branch to the tree trunk but has been grown around by the rest of the grain.

What is Spalted wood?

Spalting is any form of wood coloration caused by fungi. Although primarily found in dead trees, spalting can also occur in living trees under stress. Although spalting can cause weight loss and strength loss in the wood, the unique coloration and patterns of spalted wood are sought by woodworkers.

How do you dry burl wood?

Cut a foot of trunk waste wood on each side. Seal as soon as practical. Let dry for several years and then trim back the extra. Check the moisture content in the new cuts and re-seal to dry a year more.

How much is a madrone burl worth?

Madrone lumber retails between $6 and $10/bf, while curly madrone ranges from $18 to $20/bf. Piles of 3" to 4" burl lumber were quoted at $5/lb. Burl is also sold by the board foot, ranging from $10 to $22/bf depending on the intensity of the burl. Burl veneer is priced at $3 to $4/sq.

How much is a walnut burl worth?

Walnut burls, depending on their size, weight and texture, can be worth as much as $5,000 to $25,000 -- sometimes even more -- to end buyers.