Central, Western and Eastern Europe

Mapa Burl are Poplar trees which develop abnormal Ttrukn formations as a result of external influences, i.e. burl growth in the form of widely scattered, little spots in their trunks but not in their roots giving the veneer its burly appearance. The occurrence of Mapa Burl logs suitable for veneer extendsfrom the eadowland along the German Rhine River across to Northern and Southern France. After the opening of the Eastern European markets, in the mid‑nineties, the market was folooded] with Mapa Burl logs, especially from former Yugoslavia and from Rumania. This resulted in a considerable price crash for veneers.

As rotary cut wood for high qualtity face veneer The wood is not steamed, i.e. rotary cut cold.

The heartwood is light brown to brown. The burl occurs as reddish black spots. The veneer in which these dots are spread as evenly as possible over the surface is highly desired. The Populus nigra is the only species of Poplar which develops these burls.

The wood is easy to work with all mechanical tools. However, because of the burly growth very sharp tools are needed to prevent a rough surface. Slow feed speeds are to be recommended.

Even when dried very slowly and carefully it is not possible to fully prevent surface checking due to the different directions of shrinkage.

The Mapa Burl can be treated with all the usual finishes. Filling smaller holes with wood paste can hardly ever be avoided before varnishing.

Mapa Burl can be glued very well. Screw and nail joints hold firmly