Figure is the wavy texture across the face of the veneer that looks like an uneven surface, although it is smooth. The effect is because of reflected light on the uneven arrangements of the wood fibers. Figure may be because of wrinkling or bending of the growth rings. Generally speaking, the value of wood significantly increases when figured. There are many variations of figure:
Fiddleback
A type of figure used for the backs of violins; visible, regular streaks run across the grain. This fine, wavy grain is common to Sycamore, Mahogany, and Maple, but occurs sometimes in other woods. We also sometimes call this “crossfire.”
Pommele
We sometimes refer to pommele as “blistered.” Pommele is a small- to medium-sized blister figure. The more uniform and heavy the blister, the more valuable the wood veneer. We find Pommele in large African trees such as Sapele, Bubinga, and Makore.
Mottle
Cross-grain figure, where spiral interlocked grain combines with wavy grain to give a blotchy, wrinkled effect. The mottled figure can be random, often called “broken mottle.” This figure can also be referred to as checkerboard-like, or “block mottle.” Mahogany, Sapele, and Bubinga have a tendency to be mottled.
Birdseye
Small, rounded, lustrous spots resemble the eyes of a bird. There are many theories on what causes Birdseye. Some say it is from a worm infested tree, some say it’s caused by birds and insects, while others think it is from a disease. As a matter of fact, Birdseye was once considered to be defective wood. Now, it is considered highly valuable. Birdseye is typically rotary cut to produce uniform round eyes. Birdseye is found in Maple, but can also be found in other species on rare occasions.
Crotch
Crotch comes from the intersection of a main limb or branch and the trunk of the tree. The appearance of this figure varies. The more precise and distinct the curl or crotch, the better the quality; the pattern often resembles a well-formed feather. Crotch is seldom found in large sizes. Mahogany and Walnut Crotch veneers are the most well known.
Burl
Burls are abnormal growth or wart-like phenomena. Irritation or injury to a tree forms an interwoven mass of dense wood fibers. Burls look like tight clusters of dormant buds. Each has dark pith because of stunted growth that failed to develop into a branch. Burls are large and decorative; for this reason, we place high value on burl veneer in our industry.
Quilted
Quilted figure is most commonly found in Maple. This type of figure looks like folds, and specifically blister-like patterns.
Beeswing
Small-scale, very tight mottle figure; block mottle is similar, but larger in scale.
Block Mottle
A highly desirable figure type in characterized by irregular, checkerboard-patterned blotches that run across the grain.
Broken Stripe
An effect resembling a slightly twisted ribbon.
Crossfire
A type of figure that extends across the grain rather than along the grain; mottle and fiddleback are often called crossfigure or crossfire. Often highly sought after in decorative veneers.
Curly
Ornamental figure due to the fibers forming irregular curves or undulations. Large undulations produce “wavy” grain.
Flake
Flake figure is developed only in species that have substantial medullary ray growth, specifically Oak, Lacewood, and Sycamore. When the knife cuts directly on or near the radial, it is close to parallel with medullary ray and therefore develops the “flake” effect.
Ribbon Stripe
This type of figure is between broken stripe and plain stripe as a result of quarter slicing a log. It gives the general appearance of a ribbon, sometimes slightly twisted.
Ropey
This type of figure occurs when the twist in the grain of broken stripe is all in one direction.