Exploring Wood Figure: Nature’s Artistry in Furniture Design

At Big Tim Woodworks, we’re passionate about crafting furniture that showcases the natural beauty of wood. One of the most captivating aspects of woodworking is the figure—those unique patterns and textures that transform a simple plank into a work of art. From Birdseye to burl, tiger to beeswing, figuring adds character and value to furniture, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. But what causes these stunning patterns, and why are they so sought after? Let’s dive into some of the most popular types of wood figuring, explore their origins, and discuss their appeal in furniture making.

Birdseye: The Polka-Dot Wonder

Birdseye figuring looks like a scattering of tiny, swirling “eyes” across the wood’s surface, most commonly found in maple. While the exact cause remains a bit of a mystery, it’s believed to result from abnormal growth patterns in the tree—possibly due to stress, genetics, or dormant buds that never fully develop. The result? A mesmerizing, dotted texture that catches the light beautifully.

Desirability: Birdseye maple is a favorite for high-end furniture, especially tabletops and cabinetry, where its whimsical pattern can shine. Its rarity and visual intrigue make it highly prized, though it can be tricky to work with due to its irregular grain.

Image Description: Birdseye maple, showing small, circular “eyes” scattered across a light, creamy background, finished with a glossy sheen to highlight the pattern.

Spalting: Nature’s Abstract Canvas

Spalting is the result of fungi colonizing wood, creating striking black, brown, or reddish lines and zones of discoloration. This process typically begins as the tree decays, either while still standing or after being felled. The key is catching it at the right stage—too much decay, and the wood becomes punky and unusable; just enough, and you get a masterpiece.

Desirability: Spalted wood brings an organic, almost painterly quality to furniture. It’s perfect for statement pieces like coffee tables or accent panels. While not as rare as some figures, its unpredictability and bold contrast make it a standout choice—though its softened structure can pose challenges for structural components.

Image Description: Spalted maple with dark, irregular fungal lines weaving through lighter wood, used as a rustic coffee table top with a matte finish.

Curl: Waves of Elegance

Curl figuring, often seen in maple, birch, or cherry, features tight, undulating waves that shimmer under a finish. This occurs when wood fibers grow in a wavy pattern, reflecting light differently at every angle—a phenomenon known as chatoyancy. It’s caused by the tree’s response to environmental factors like wind or soil conditions, which twist the grain as it develops.

Desirability: Curly wood is a classic in furniture design, especially for pieces like dining tables or guitar bodies where its luminous, flowing look can be highlighted. It’s highly desirable for its refined beauty and works well with both modern and traditional styles.

Image Description: Curly maple showcasing tight, shimmering waves running horizontally across the grain, finished with a clear coat to enhance the chatoyancy.

Burl: The Wild Swirl

Burls are gnarly, tumor-like growths on trees, often caused by stress, injury, or infection. Inside these knobby protrusions lies some of the most dramatic figuring—wild, swirling grain with knots and eyes packed tightly together. Species like walnut, redwood, and maple are famous for their burls.

Desirability: Burl wood is the holy grail for furniture makers and collectors. Its chaotic, unrepeatable patterns make it ideal for statement pieces like desks, veneers, or live-edge slabs. It’s rare and expensive, but its jaw-dropping uniqueness justifies the cost. Working with burl can be tough due to its irregular structure, but the payoff is worth it.

Image Description: Burl with swirling, knotty patterns in rich brown tones, polished to a high gloss to emphasize the wild grain.

Fiddleback: The Musical Ripple

Fiddleback figuring, named for its frequent use in violin backs, features tight, horizontal waves that run across the grain. Like curl, it’s caused by wavy fiber growth, but fiddleback is more consistent and linear. You’ll often see it in maple, sycamore, or mahogany.

Desirability: Fiddleback adds a rhythmic, dynamic flair to furniture, making it a go-to for chair backs, headboards, or drawer fronts. Its subtle shimmer and uniformity appeal to craftspeople who want figured wood that’s still predictable enough to work with. It’s highly valued, especially in musical instrument making, which drives up demand.

Image Description: Fiddleback sycamore showing consistent, horizontal ripples in a pale, creamy wood, finished with a satin varnish.

Tiger: Bold Stripes of Drama

Tiger figuring, also called tiger stripe or flame, features bold, contrasting stripes that resemble a big cat’s coat. It’s most common in oak or maple and results from pronounced ray flecks combined with wavy grain, creating a dramatic, linear pattern. The effect is amplified when the wood is quartersawn.

Desirability: Tiger-striped wood is a showstopper, ideal for large furniture like dining tables or cabinet doors where its striking lines can take center stage. Its bold aesthetic appeals to those seeking a rustic or Arts and Crafts vibe, though it’s less rare than some other figures.

Image Description: Tiger oak with deep, dark stripes running vertically across a lighter background, finished with a warm oil to enhance contrast.

Mottled: A Patchwork of Texture

Mottled figuring gives wood a dappled, patchwork-like appearance, with irregular patches of color and grain direction. It’s often seen in woods like makore or sapele and is caused by interlocked grain or localized growth anomalies. The effect is subtle yet complex, like a natural mosaic.

Desirability: Mottled wood brings understated elegance to furniture, making it great for panels, headboards, or accent pieces. It’s less flashy than burl or tiger but highly valued for its sophisticated, organic charm.

Image Description: Mottled makore with a patchwork of reddish-brown tones and shifting grain, finished with a clear coat for a smooth, refined look.

Crotch: The V-Shaped Flare

Crotch figuring comes from the junction where a tree trunk splits into branches, creating a V-shaped pattern with feathery, flame-like swirls. Mahogany and walnut are known for this figure, which arises from the tension and compression of fibers at the fork.

Desirability: Crotch wood is prized for its dramatic, symmetrical beauty, often used in tabletops, veneers, or decorative inlays. Its rarity and bold flare make it a luxurious choice, though the small yield from crotch sections keeps it pricey.

Image Description: Crotch mahogany with a deep red V-shaped figure radiating from the center, polished to a mirror finish to showcase the feathery swirls.

Beeswing: Delicate Shimmer

Beeswing figuring, named for its resemblance to a bee’s translucent wing, features small, tight, interlocking curls that create a delicate, iridescent sheen. It’s most common in satinwood, narra, or mahogany and results from highly interlocked grain.

Desirability: Beeswing is a subtle stunner, perfect for small furniture like jewelry boxes or accent panels where its fine detail can be appreciated up close. It’s rare and coveted for its ethereal beauty, especially in antique reproduction pieces.

Image Description: Beeswing satinwood with tiny, shimmering curls in a golden-yellow hue, finished with a high-gloss lacquer.

Ray Fleck: Radiant Streaks

Ray fleck (sometimes called ray figure) appears as bright, ribbon-like streaks running perpendicular to the grain, most prominent in quartersawn oak, sycamore, or lacewood. These are the tree’s medullary rays—radial structures that transport nutrients—exposed when cut at the right angle.

Desirability: Ray fleck adds a radiant, linear elegance to furniture, especially in Arts and Crafts or Mission-style pieces like dressers or sideboards. It’s less rare than burl or beeswing but highly desirable for its clean, architectural appeal.

Image Description: Quartersawn oak with silvery ray flecks streaking across a warm brown grain, finished with a matte oil for a natural look.

What Makes Figured Wood So Desirable?

Figured wood isn’t just about looks—it’s about rarity, story, and craftsmanship. Each type of figuring tells a tale of the tree’s life, from environmental stresses to fungal invasions. For furniture, these patterns elevate a piece from functional to heirloom-worthy. They catch the eye, spark conversation, and showcase the skill of the maker who brings out their full potential with careful sanding, finishing, and design.

That said, figured wood often comes with trade-offs. The irregular grain can make it prone to tear-out during planing or splitting under stress, requiring extra care (and sometimes extra tools) to tame. Its scarcity also drives up cost, making it a premium choice for custom projects. But for many—ourselves included—these challenges are a small price to pay for the unparalleled beauty it brings to a finished piece.

Bringing Figured Wood to Life at Big Tim Woodworks

Whether it’s the hypnotic swirls of a burl slab, the bold stripes of tiger oak, the delicate shimmer of beeswing, or the radiant streaks of ray fleck, we love incorporating figured wood into our creations. It’s a celebration of nature’s artistry, paired with our commitment to craftsmanship. Have a favorite figure in mind for your next custom piece? Let us know—we’d love to turn your vision into something extraordinary.

Happy woodworking!

Tim

Big Tim Woodworks