Wood is more than just a material—it’s also nature’s art, shaped by intricate, organic processes. Among the most visually captivating types of wood is figured wood, a term that describes unique grain patterns that form due to natural irregularities in tree growth. These patterns, often mesmerizing and highly sought after, turn ordinary wood into something truly special.
At Spencer Peterman, we celebrate the beauty of figured wood by transforming it into handcrafted bowls, serving boards, and other timeless home goods. Some of the most stunning examples we work with include burl wood, spalted maple, and ambrosia maple—each with its own story, texture, and character.
In this post, we’ll explore figured wood’s origins, the processes behind these remarkable patterns, and how artisans (like Spencer and our team!) bring out its natural beauty.
What Is Figured Wood?
Figured wood refers to any wood with a visually striking grain pattern caused by natural growth variations, environmental factors, or fungal activity. Unlike standard straight-grain wood, figured wood features unique effects such as swirls, waves, streaks, and intricate color contrasts. These patterns make every piece of figured wood one-of-a-kind, which is why artisans and woodworkers highly prize it.
Several types of figured wood exist, including curly, quilted, birdseye, and burl wood. However, some of the most fascinating examples come from woods affected by fungi or insects, such as spalted maple and ambrosia maple. These varieties showcase nature’s ability to create art from unexpected processes.
Types of Figured Wood Used by Spencer Peterman
At Spencer Peterman, we specialize in working with unique, naturally figured woods that are locally and sustainably sourced. Our handcrafted bowls and boards highlight the organic beauty of materials like burl wood, spalted maple, and ambrosia maple. Let’s take a closer look at what makes these types of figured wood so special.
Burl Wood: Nature’s Wild Grain Patterns
Burl wood forms when a tree experiences stress, such as injury, disease, or fungal infection. Instead of growing normally, the tree develops dense clusters of swirling grain, creating stunning, unpredictable patterns.
How It Forms
- Burls typically grow as rounded outgrowths on tree trunks or roots.
- The irregular grain forms due to the tree’s response to stress.
- Each burl has a unique pattern, making it impossible to duplicate.
Appearance & Uses
Burl wood is highly prized for its intricate grain, often featuring whorls, knots, and deep color variations. Since burl wood is rare, artisans use it for fine woodworking projects, including decorative bowls, serving boards, and statement furniture pieces.
At Spencer Peterman, we craft burl wood bowls that highlight these mesmerizing patterns. No two are alike, ensuring each piece is a one-of-a-kind functional work of art.
Spalted Maple: The Beauty of Natural Fungi
Among the most striking figured woods, spalted maple is prized for its dramatic black lines, color variations, and organic patterns. Unlike other figured woods, spalting results from fungal activity within the tree.
How It Forms
- After a maple tree dies or begins to decay, fungi invade the wood.
- The fungi create dark, ink-like streaks known as zone lines.
- As the fungi spread, they can produce contrasting colors like cream, tan, gray, and black.
Appearance & Uses
Spalted maple has a high-contrast, artistic grain pattern, making it a favorite among woodworkers and collectors. The combination of light and dark streaks gives each piece a naturally marbled effect, perfect for creating eye-catching bowls and cutting boards.
Since the spalting process occurs naturally, every piece of spalted maple is unique. At Spencer Peterman, we carefully select and stabilize spalted maple to ensure durability while preserving its striking grain patterns.
Ambrosia Maple: A Work of Art by Nature and Insects
While spalting results from fungi, ambrosia maple gets its distinct markings from an entirely different source—the ambrosia beetle. This small insect plays a crucial role in creating the wood’s signature streaks and tunnels.
How It Forms
- Ambrosia beetles burrow into maple trees, introducing a special fungus.
- The fungus spreads inside the wood, staining it with soft, grayish-blue or brown streaks.
Appearance & Uses
Ambrosia maple features soft, flowing color streaks that give the wood a natural watercolor effect. The occasional beetle holes add character, making it a popular choice for decorative bowls, furniture, and wooden serving pieces.
At Spencer Peterman, we embrace the unique imperfections of ambrosia maple, showcasing its organic beauty in our handcrafted designs. Each bowl or board tells a story—one of transformation and resilience.
Other Types of Figured Wood
In addition to the beautiful varieties of figured wood we commonly work with, there are many other fascinating types that also exhibit stunning, one-of-a-kind grain patterns. Each type of figured wood is shaped by the unique forces of nature—whether it’s the tree’s environment, genetic variations, or even the influence of insects. Below are a few other types of figured wood that continue to captivate woodworkers and nature lovers alike.
Curly Maple: The Elegant Swirls of Nature
Curly maple, also known as tiger maple, is known for its distinctive, wavy grain patterns that resemble the flow of water. The “curl” in curly maple can range from subtle ripples to more pronounced swirls, adding visual depth to the wood.
How It Forms:
The curl in maple trees occurs due to variations in how the fibers grow, often influenced by the environment, such as wind, soil conditions, or even the tree’s genetics.
Appearance & Uses:
Curly maple features light to medium brown tones with wavy, iridescent patterns that shift in the light. This wood is often used for fine furniture, cabinetry, and musical instruments due to its striking visual appeal and strength. It’s also favored for making decorative bowls and handles.
Birdseye Maple: A Dazzling, Dot-like Effect
Birdseye maple is renowned for its small, circular, or oval-shaped figure that resembles the eyes of a bird. These “eyes” appear throughout the wood and are the result of irregularities in the growth of the maple tree.
How It Forms:
The birdseye figure is thought to form due to genetic factors and specific environmental conditions, though the exact cause is still not fully understood. It’s a rare occurrence, which is why birdseye maple is highly prized.
Appearance & Uses:
The wood’s surface is dotted with small, tight eyes that vary in size and pattern. These striking spots are typically paired with the light, creamy tone of maple. Birdseye maple is often used in crafting high-end furniture, musical instruments, and decorative items. It’s also a favorite for creating luxurious wooden bowls and fine cabinetry.
Quilted Maple: The Soft, Puffy Look
Quilted maple is named for its stunning, three-dimensional, puffy patterns that resemble the appearance of a quilted fabric. These patterns give the wood a soft, almost undulating look, making it a favorite for woodworking projects that require a dramatic visual effect.
How It Forms:
The quilted pattern is caused by specific growth conditions, often the result of tension in the grain. This tension can arise from environmental stress or the natural forces acting on the tree as it grows.
Appearance & Uses:
Quilted maple has a unique texture, with soft, wavy patterns that create a sense of depth and movement. The wood’s light color and rich patterning make it ideal for artistic woodturning projects, musical instruments, and high-end furniture.
Snakewood: A Strikingly Bold Figure
Snakewood, a rare tropical hardwood, is known for its intense, dramatic grain that mimics the patterns found on a snake’s skin. The figure of snakewood can range from subtle lines to bold, serpentine shapes that give the wood a truly unique look.
How It Forms:
Snakewood’s dramatic figure is formed due to the tree’s unique growth pattern. The irregularities in its growth can result in streaks and winding lines throughout the wood.
Appearance & Uses:
The wood’s striking patterns are complemented by its rich reddish-brown hues and dark, almost black, streaks. Snakewood is often used for high-end woodturning, including crafting custom knife handles, jewelry boxes, and intricate inlay work.
Olivewood: Ancient, Rich Textures
Olivewood, known for its dense grain and stunning natural patterns, comes from the olive tree—one of the oldest cultivated trees in the world and often used to create rustic, yet refined, pieces.
How It Forms:
Olivewood is prized for the irregular, twisting grain that grows as the tree matures. The grain’s tight, sometimes serpentine, curves are what give the wood its unique appearance.
Appearance & Uses:
The wood features golden to rich brown hues, with dramatic, contrasting dark lines that make it stand out in any setting. It’s a great choice for beautiful, handcrafted kitchenware like cutting boards, utensils, and bowls, as well as fine furniture and decorative pieces.
Each type of figured wood tells its own story, shaped by natural forces and bringing a unique beauty to the finished product. At Spencer Peterman, we work with a variety of these woods to create heirloom-quality pieces that celebrate nature’s artistry. Whether it’s the swirly patterns of curly maple, the shimmering dots of birdseye, or the soft undulations of quilted maple, there’s always something captivating about each piece we create.
Why Figured Wood Is So Valuable
Figured wood stands out for several reasons:
- Natural Uniqueness – No two pieces are ever the same, making each item truly one-of-a-kind.
- Artistic Appeal – The mesmerizing grain patterns make figured wood ideal for decorative and functional art.
- Sustainability – Many types of figured wood, including spalted and ambrosia maple, come from trees that have naturally fallen, reducing waste.
- Craftsmanship – Due to its unpredictable grain, working with figured wood requires skill and precision, making handcrafted pieces even more special.
At Spencer Peterman, we are passionate about using sustainable, naturally figured wood to create products that honor both nature and craftsmanship.
Caring for Figured Wood Products
To maintain the beauty of burl wood, spalted maple, or ambrosia maple, proper care is essential:
- Hand Wash Only – Avoid soaking in water, as excess moisture can damage the wood.
- Use Wood Conditioner – Regularly applying food-safe wood conditioners helps preserve the wood’s richness.
- Keep Dry – Store in a dry place to prevent warping or cracking.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures – Exposure to excessive heat or cold can cause splitting.
By following these simple care tips, you can enjoy your handcrafted figured wood pieces for years to come.
Conclusion
Figured wood is nature’s way of turning imperfections into beauty. Whether it’s the swirling grain of burl wood, the dramatic streaks of spalted maple, or the delicate patterns of ambrosia maple, each type of figured wood has its own story to tell.
At Spencer Peterman, we embrace these natural variations, crafting stunning bowls and boards that bring organic elegance into your home. Every piece we create is a testament to the artistry of nature—and a reminder that beauty often comes from the unexpected.
Ready to bring the beauty of figured wood into your home? Explore our collection of handcrafted wooden bowls and boards today!
