With Figure

Using Figured Wood Species in Your Projects

Figured wood refers to lumber with distinctive, decorative grain patterns that deviate from the typical straight grain found in most wood. These unique patterns create visual interest and can dramatically elevate woodworking projects from ordinary to extraordinary. Here’s how to effectively use figured wood species in your work:

Understanding Figured Wood Types

Different figured patterns have specific characteristics and applications:

Curly/Fiddleback Figure:

  • Appears as alternating light and dark bands creating a 3D ripple effect
  • Common in maple, koa, and cherry
  • Ideal for instrument backs, tabletops, and panels where light will reflect across the surface

Quilted Figure:

  • Creates a bubbled, three-dimensional appearance resembling ripples in water
  • Most dramatic in maple and sapele
  • Excellent for feature panels, box lids, and furniture fronts

Burl:

  • Swirling, complex patterns from tree growth deformities
  • Found in many species including walnut, maple, and redwood
  • Best used for smaller decorative elements, tabletops, and veneers

Bird’s Eye:

  • Small, circular patterns resembling tiny eyes scattered throughout
  • Primarily found in maple
  • Works well for smaller projects or as accent panels

Flame/Crotch Figure:

  • Dramatic feathered pattern from branch junctions
  • Common in walnut, mahogany, and cherry
  • Striking for book-matched panels and tabletops

Selection Considerations

When choosing figured wood for your project:

Quality and Intensity:

  • Figure intensity varies dramatically within the same type
  • Examine in different lighting conditions, especially with natural light
  • Wet the surface with mineral spirits to preview how it will look when finished

Project Scale:

  • Highly figured wood makes the strongest statement in moderate quantities
  • Consider using figured wood for focal elements rather than entire projects
  • Balance with plain wood to create contrast and prevent visual overwhelm

Structural Requirements:

  • Some heavily figured woods have irregular grain direction affecting strength
  • Avoid highly figured wood for structural components under significant stress
  • Consider stability needs—some figured woods move more with humidity changes

Working With Figured Wood

Figured wood requires special handling during machining and finishing:

Cutting and Planing:

  • Use extremely sharp tools to prevent tearout
  • Take lighter passes than with straight-grained wood
  • Consider a higher cutting angle (55° instead of 45°) for figured hardwoods
  • Sometimes planning in multiple directions is necessary

Sanding:

  • Progress through grits methodically without skipping
  • Sand with the grain where possible
  • Consider scraping rather than sanding for difficult grain areas

Joinery:

  • Account for potential weakness along irregular grain lines
  • Reinforce joints where possible
  • Consider alternative joinery methods for highly figured sections

Finishing Techniques

The right finish can dramatically enhance figure:

Oil Finishes:

  • Penetrating oils (tung, linseed) enhance depth and chatoyance
  • “Popping” the figure with initial alcohol application before oil
  • Multiple thin coats build better depth than fewer heavy coats

Film Finishes:

  • Shellac brings warmth and depth to figured maple and cherry
  • Lacquer provides clarity for showing figure without yellowing
  • Epoxy can enhance quilted and curly figures through depth

Dyes and Stains:

  • Alcohol-based dyes penetrate evenly in figured wood
  • Light color washes can enhance contrast in the figure
  • Consider multiple dye applications to build depth

Design Applications

Strategic use of figured wood maximizes its impact:

Furniture Highlights:

  • Cabinet door panels surrounded by straight-grained frames
  • Drawer fronts that create visual interest
  • Table tops where light play enhances the dining experience
  • Chair backs where the figure becomes a focal point

Architectural Elements:

  • Accent walls using figured veneer panels
  • Fireplace surrounds that draw attention
  • Built-in features like bar fronts or reception desks
  • Ceiling treatments in special rooms

Small Projects:

  • Jewelry or keepsake boxes with figured lids
  • Cutting boards with figured accent strips
  • Picture frames highlighting special photographs
  • Turned objects where figure creates movement around the form

Cost Management

Figured wood commands premium prices, so consider these approaches:

  • Use figured veneer over stable substrates instead of solid figured lumber
  • Create accent panels or inlays rather than entire components
  • Combine less expensive figured woods (like curly maple) with more valuable straight-grained species
  • Source directly from sawyers who may offer better prices than retail outlets

Figured wood brings natural art to your woodworking—when used thoughtfully, it creates distinctive pieces with visual depth and character that can’t be replicated by any other material. The challenge of working with these sometimes difficult materials is amply rewarded by the extraordinary beauty they bring to completed projects.

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