Burl wood has been on my own personal decorating radar since I went on my armoire journey (remember that?) beginning in 2019. Since then, I’ve seen it explode in popularity, culminating in being a prominent figure in the blockbuster movie, “Wicked.” There I was, sitting next to my pal Jess, enthralled by the scenery, the music, the production, when the gargantuan mechanical face of the Wizard of Oz comes on screen. “Jess! It’s made of burl wood!” I excitedly whispered to her, after which we both chuckled in silence, knowing I was working on this very story.
When something reaches a fever pitch like that, it tends to be on the downward slope out of the mainstream. In this instance, though, I still think burl wood has a lot of legs left in this design trend race, and it’s going to be bigger than ever in the coming year. So, I wanted to dig in a bit, because that’s what I do.
Let’s understand what it is exactly, why it’s valuable/desired, what kinds of burl wood exist, and how to shop for it. Then, we’ll see some pretty shoppable options. Sound good? Come on!
What Is Burl Wood? Does It Come From A Specific Species Of Tree?
Admittedly, I didn’t know that much about the origins of burl wood until I did some research on it not that long ago. As someone who tries to regularly educate themselves on the design things that are of interest to them, I thought maybe it was a species of tree I just wasn’t familiar with. A burl tree…uh, no, Arlyn. The very definition of the word “burl” is a lump or knot, and that’s exactly what it is! Burl wood comes from a growth on a tree that shouldn’t be there, typically due to some kind of stress that the tree underwent. It’s essentially an amorphous blob, or a tree tumor, so to speak. When you cut into that tree growth, it’s full of very intricately knotted wood, which creates an irregular, spotted pattern. It’s really the definition of making beauty from chaos.
Because burl wood is randomly occurring (and doesn’t grow on all species of trees), it’s considered rare and, hence valuable. It’s super dense and the swirling grain can make it hard to work with, meaning a skilled craftsman is best to handle it, which also adds to the cost.
The most common (yet still rare) sources of burl wood come from poplar, oak, elm, olive, redwood, and walnut trees. The natural undertones of those specific woods carries through that burl, so you can find a good variation from really pale and neutral like poplar (the most popular—ha—burl wood) to rich and red like oak and redwood all the way to deep almost ebony-like finishes in walnut. Olive ash is really interesting because it occurs more in large Rorschach-like patterns with large, noticeable swirls and some knotting as opposed to something like elm or poplar that are distinctly hole-y.
Veneer, Laminate, Solid: What’s The Deal With Burl Wood Applications?
Veneer can get a bad rap in the furniture world, where solid wood is the unrivaled pick for quality and durability. But here’s the thing with something like burl wood, it’s best suited for veneer because it’s hard to find in pieces large enough to create anything in the scale of a dresser or credenza. Plus, because it would be even more rare to get a tree with a growth that big, solid burl wood would be so cost prohibitive and not to mention, wildly heavy because it’s very dense.
Just to clarify in case someone is doubting themselves:
- Veneer = a very thin slice of the actual wood, attached to a backing that is then applied to a piece of furniture
- Laminate = a printing/reproduction of the *look* of wood but no actual wood is used
- Solid wood = well…all solid pieces of wood
Almost everything you’ll find on the market, new, used, or vintage, is going to be veneer, and that’s okay! Price will vary depending on the type of burl wood as something like a walnut or olive burl is going to be much more expensive than a maple or poplar just due to scarcity.
Another thing to consider when it comes to the price of burl wood veneered furniture and decor is how large of a swathe of veneer is needed for the piece. Something small like a tray or side table will be far more affordable in comparison to an armoire where the whole front (both doors) need a continuous piece of burl veneer (and a tray is always going to be exponentially cheaper than a wardrobe, of course). You’ll also find a lot of patchwork burl which is less expensive since it doesn’t all have to come from the same burl growth, just the same species of tree. Lastly, the quality of veneer is also going to affect pricing.
Vintage burl wood furniture can be found with a bit of searching and can add a unique touch to your home. While new pieces can be found at retailers like Wayfair or Target for around $200-$400, the quality may not compare to high-end manufacturers like Made Goods, where prices can range from $1,500-$3,000.
Burl wood has a long history of use, dating back to the 18th century in the Baroque and Rococo periods. It saw popularity in the Victorian era, Art Deco period, and with mid-century modern designers like George Nakashima and Milo Baughman. Today, burl wood is making a comeback in home decor.
When looking for burl wood pieces, be sure to use specific search terms such as burl veneer, burl wood, exotic wood, and rare wood. Whether you prefer a minimalist or maximalist style, burl wood can work in various spaces and can be paired with different metal finishes.
Examples of rooms incorporating burl wood furniture show how versatile and impactful this material can be. From bookcases to desks to chairs, burl wood adds warmth and visual interest to a space. Consider incorporating burl wood into your home decor for a touch of vintage charm and uniqueness. If you have the resources to support a budget that can accommodate a substantial amount of burl wood, consider incorporating it into a small wet bar area or a compact kitchen space for an ideal look.
Don’t overlook the option of repurposing a vintage burl wood cabinet to include a sink in a bathroom. It’s best suited for a powder bathroom due to its lower moisture levels, resulting in a beautiful and luxurious design.
The use of burl wood veneer in two different bathrooms showcases the versatility of this material. Whether it’s elm or poplar, the contemporary finishes and modern vanity base shape complement each other perfectly. A darker burl wood would offer a more classic appeal.
Expanding beyond traditional applications, burl wood can also be used on walls. A subtle burl pattern in a vestibule adds an eye-catching design element, while a more intricate golden poplar wall/tabletop/desk by Paris Forino creates a statement focal point.
For those interested in incorporating burl wood into their own spaces, a curated selection of pieces is available. From small decorative accents to larger vintage and new furniture pieces, there are options to suit various preferences and budgets.
In conclusion, the enduring appeal of burl wood continues to captivate with its timeless charm. Whether it’s through a vintage armoire, frames, trays, or other furniture pieces, the allure of burl wood remains strong. Share your thoughts on this trend and stay tuned for more design inspiration in the future. phrase:
“Actions speak louder than words.”
into a different form:
“Deeds carry more weight than words.”