Glitz and Glamour: Burl Wood Custom Frames

In 1913, Scientific American featured an article about a black walnut burl on a tree 50 feet from George Washington’s tomb. They wrote, “By comparing the diameter of the trunk, which is 15 inches four feet above the ground, with that of the burl, it is seen that this is no small specimen of a burl.” This Mt. Vernon burl drew attention because it was large and formed on a high branch. While burls can be massive, they usually form on the trunk–not on branches high above the ground. Scientific American featured photos of the tree, including images of the tree being sawed down and hauled away on a twenty-three-ton boiler. Today, burls continue to captivate artisans and designers.

Why?

Burl wood is a beautiful mystery. No one knows how a burl forms. No one knows what it will look like until it is cut open and exposed. This material first became popular in the glitz and glamour of the 1920s and 30s before fading away until its resurgence in the 1970s (Hello, wood paneling!). It’s having a moment once again, and we are here for it. Burl wood custom frames are gorgeous, classic, and extremely versatile. Let’s take a look.

What is Burl Wood?

When a tree is stressed out, it forms a burl. In Treepedia, Joan Maloof writes that a burl is “a rounded outgrowth on a tree, most often occurring on the trunk. A burl is covered with bark, but beneath the bark the growth pattern is highly irregular…The most common explanation is that something causes an injury to the tree, and then the tree responds with uncontrolled growth from the vascular cambium (the row of cells just under the bark that normally create the annual ring in a regular pattern). The initiating injury might come from mechanical damage, insects, bacteria, or fungi.”

Something upsets the tree which creates an external growth with a unique grain pattern. Artisans and manufacturers use a solid piece of burl or a thin slice for a veneer for furniture and accessories such as bowls, trays, clocks, and picture frames. According to Maloof, walnut burl was popular for dressers in the Victorian era. Today, you can find burl wood for almost anything.

There are a few reasons why burl wood is so fascinating and valuable:

• No one knows the exact reasons why burls form.
• Its growth cannot be cultivated.
• Burls are thick and strong making it a durable wood option.
• It varies in size and placement in the wood so no two pieces are exactly alike.

A burl can come from maple, oak, redwood, cherry, walnut, elm, or ash trees. It can take 30 to 40 years for a burl to mature. These growths may be unsightly on a tree, but it doesn’t hurt the tree. In fact, improperly removing a burl can do tremendous damage to a tree. While artisans are interested in this type of wood, the University of New Hampshire writes that “they are not likely to pay much, if anything, for them.” Don’t go cutting down your trees hoping for a major payday.

Design & Burl Wood Custom Frames

That being said, the final burl wood product can be very valuable. Designers like burl wood because of its uniqueness; no two pieces are alike. It’s versatile. You can mix and match vintage pieces with modern, and the design will look intentional. Burl wood works with any style: minimalist, maximalist, traditional, or modern. It can serve as a centerpiece in a design or an accent. Burl also looks great with other materials such as metal, glass, stone, or other wood pieces.

In other words, it’s your design’s secret weapon.

For custom framing, burl wood is just as versatile. Simple rustic art and high-end pieces look equally amazing in burl. You can use a neutral paper mat or a rich, colorful fabric mat with this type of frame. If you mix a burl wood custom frame with antique, modern, or colorful frames, you will create a unique gallery wall. The options are endless. In fact, if you decide to completely change your interior design in a few years, your burl wood frame should still work with your new tastes. It’s that classic.

How to Care for Your Frame

It’s important to note that while this type of wood is durable and strong, you still need to treat it with care. Wood veneers are less forgiving than solid wood frames. If a veneer chips or scratches, it is harder–and sometimes impossible–to repair. When handling a burl wood veneer frame, be extra careful on the corners as they are the areas most likely to chip.

Here are a few tips to help you care for your burl wood custom frames:

• Lightly dust your moulding with a soft, dry cloth.
• Do not use harsh or abrasive chemicals to clean the wood. You may scratch or damage the finish.
• Place frames out of direct sunlight to avoid sun damage and fading.
• Maintain a stable humidity in your home. Humidity can cause damage to your frame and your art.

If you think your frame needs cleaning or care, call a professional custom framer before applying any cleaners or polishes to your moulding. You run the risk of removing the finish or scratching the frame. If this happens, it may be difficult to repair your moulding. It’s always best to consult a professional before tackling a do-it-yourself framing project.
Burl wood is a sophisticated and coveted material. It’s an easy way to add texture to your framing design and incorporate it into an existing style. Interested in a burl wood frame? Check out The Writer.