About Burrs

A burr is a tree growth in which the grain has grown in a deformed manner. It is commonly found in the form of a rounded outgrowth on a tree trunk or branch that is filled with small knots from dormant buds. Burrs are the product of a cambium. A Burr results from a tree undergoing some form of stress. It may be environmental or introduced by humans. Most Burrs grow beneath the ground, attached to the roots as a type of malignancy that is generally not discovered until the tree dies or falls over. Almost all Burr wood is covered by bark, even if it is underground. Insect infestation and certain types of mould infestation are the most common causes of this condition.

In some tree species, Burrs can grow to great size. One of the largest Burrs known to man was found around 1984 in the small town of Tamworth, Australia. It stands 6.4 ft tall, with an odd shape resembling a trombone.

Burrs yield a very peculiar and highly figured wood, one prized for its beauty by many; its rarity also adds to its expense. It is sought after by people such as furniture makers, artists, and wood sculptors. There are a number of well-known types of Burrs (each from a particular species); these are highly valued and used as veneers in furniture, picture frames, household objects, automobile interior paneling and trim, and woodturning.
Burr wood is very hard to work in a lathe or with hand tools because its grain is misshapen and not straight.
(Source: Wikipedia)

Scroll over the Thumbnails below for examples of Burr wood uses
(images outsourced from Piercy Hardwoods Ltd)

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