Maple Burl is a figured wood taken from abnormal, rounded growths (burls) on Maple trees.

Burls form on Maple trees in response to stress, including physical injury, insect infestation, fungal infection, or viral attack. The tree's growth hormones are disrupted, causing rapid, irregular cell multiplication that results in the rounded, knobby burl structure. The wood inside has extremely interlocked, swirling grain that creates its distinctive figure.

Maple Burl is used for decorative veneers, tabletops, furniture panels, turned bowls and vessels, knife handles, pen blanks, jewelry boxes, art pieces, and musical instrument decorative components.

Maple Burl is generally not used for structural applications because its wildly interlocked grain and irregular figure reduce its directional strength compared to straight-grained Maple.

Maple Burl hardness varies depending on whether it comes from Hard Maple or Soft Maple. Hard Maple Burl can approach the parent species hardness (~1,450 lbf Janka).

Yes. Maple Burl is one of the most interesting turning materials available. The swirls make unique turned pieces each time. The irregular grain requires sharp tools to avoid tearout.

Clear oil-based finishes, lacquer, and hardwax oils are best for Maple Burl, allowing the natural grain to shine. Any voids, inclusions, or soft spots should be filled with tinted epoxy or CA glue before finishing.

Maple Burl comes from Acer (Maple) species native to North America. Mappa Burl refers to figured burl wood from Poplar species (primarily Populus) grown in Europe, also called 'Poplar Burl.' Both are highly figured burl woods, but Mappa Burl is lighter in color, creamy tan with grey-green tones, while Maple Burl tends toward warmer, creamier whites and tans.