Wood Figure: Understanding the Different Types
Wood figure is what separates ordinary lumber from something truly special. It’s the reason one board looks plain while another looks almost three-dimensional once finished.
Figure isn’t a different species — it’s a result of how the tree grows. Grain direction, internal stress, environment, and even biological activity all play a role.
Below is a more complete breakdown of common and premium figure types, including some of the more sought-after patterns like pommele and waterfall.
What Is Wood Figure?
Wood figure refers to any deviation from straight, uniform grain. These variations change how light reflects off the surface, creating depth, shimmer, and movement.
Figure can appear as:
- Waves and stripes
- Eyes and clusters
- Swirls and chaos
- Blistered or quilted surfaces
- Reflective patterns that shift with light
Curly (Tiger) Figure
- Wavy grain producing a striped appearance
- Strong chatoyance (shimmer)
- Can range from subtle to very tight curl
Common in maple, cherry, and walnut.
Flame / Fiddleback
- A tighter, more uniform version of curly figure
- Narrow, repeating stripes
- Very high reflectivity
Often used in musical instruments.
Quilted Figure
- Rounded, pillowy appearance
- Looks almost three-dimensional
- Strong depth under finish
Most commonly found in maple.
Birdseye Figure
- Small circular “eyes” scattered throughout
- Caused by localized growth distortion
- Very clean, uniform look
Primarily seen in maple.
Burl Figure
- Swirling, chaotic grain
- Dense clusters of eyes
- No consistent grain direction
One of the most dramatic and unpredictable figure types.
Spalted Figure
- Black zone lines and color variation
- Caused by fungal activity
- Often combined with other figure types
Most common in lighter woods like maple.
Ribbon Stripe
- Alternating light and dark bands
- Caused by interlocked grain and quarter sawing
- Clean, linear shimmer
Common in sapele and mahogany.
Crotch Figure
- Feathered or flame-like patterns
- Forms where branches meet the trunk
- Often symmetrical and dramatic
Popular in walnut and mahogany.
Ambrosia Figure
- Streaks of gray, blue, or brown
- Caused by beetles introducing fungi
- Often subtle but very distinctive
Common in maple.
Pommele Figure
Pommele is one of the most sought-after figured patterns.
- Bubbling, clustered appearance
- Looks like tightly packed small domes
- High reflectivity and depth
- Often described as “3D” or “pebbled”
Most commonly seen in sapele and bubinga. This figure becomes extremely dramatic under a gloss finish.
Waterfall Figure
Waterfall figure has a flowing, liquid appearance.
- Grain appears to cascade or “flow” downward
- Strong directional movement
- High chatoyance
Often found in bubinga and sometimes in sapele. It gets its name from the way the grain looks like falling water when finished.
Blister Figure
- Small, raised, blister-like distortions
- Subtle but adds texture and depth
- Less intense than pommele
Seen in species like maple and mahogany.
Fiddleback vs Curly (Quick Note)
These are often used interchangeably, but:
- Curly = broader, more varied waves
- Fiddleback = tighter, more uniform striping
Both create strong visual movement.
Why Figure Matters
Figure adds:
- Depth and visual movement
- Higher value to lumber
- One-of-a-kind character
- A more dynamic finished piece
For turners, figure can completely transform a simple form into something eye-catching.
Working With Highly Figured Wood
The more figure, the more attention it requires.
- Grain direction changes constantly
- Sharp tools are critical
- Light cuts reduce tear-out
- Sanding may take more time
- Some pieces may benefit from stabilization