Maple Burl (Likely Bigleaf Maple or Sugar Maple)
Acer macrophyllum (Bigleaf) or Acer saccharum (Sugar) • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular burl figure with eyes, swirls, and clusters; exhibits intense interlocked and wavy grain near the live edge with pockets of dormitory buds.
Color Description
Pale cream to light reddish-brown heartwood. The sapwood is a similar light tone, often indistinguishable in burls. It lacks high luster in its raw state but can develop golden chatoyance when finished. It will likely amber slightly with age and light exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard) for Sugar Maple; 850 lbf (Medium) for Bigleaf Maple.
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if left in wet conditions. The sample shows some surface check lines indicating drying stress.
Common Uses
Woodturning, high-end furniture veneers, musical instrument tops (electric guitars), knife handles, and decorative bowls or inlay work.
Geographic Origin
North America (Pacific Northwest for Bigleaf; Eastern US/Canada for Sugar Maple).
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $35.00 per board foot, depending on the intensity and density of the burl figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut to a few years old; the presence of adhering moss and dirt on the bark edge suggests it is a raw, relatively recent harvest/salvage piece.
Sustainability Status
Not CITES listed and generally Least Concern by IUCN. FSC certified sources are often available.
Workability
Difficult due to chaotic grain; prone to significant tearout when planing. Requires very sharp tools and extensive sanding. Glues and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Features a "live edge" with remaining bark/cambium and moss. Burls are caused by abnormal growth (stress, virus, or fungus) resulting in the unique birdseye-like clusters seen on the surface.
Finish Recommendations
High-quality oils (Tung or Danish) or wiping varnishes to pop the figure. Stabilizing resins may be needed if there are voids or soft rot spots in the burl.
Identification Confidence
High; the visible clustering of "eyes" on a light-colored wood, combined with the characteristic bark texture and presence of moss typical of maple burls, is very distinctive.