An amboyna burl comes from the Narra tree, a rare exotic wood grown mostly in Southeast Asia. Named after the Ambon Island in Indonesia from where it’s believed to have originated, amboyna can be reddish brown, yellowish or red in color and is often referred to as a burl or veneer in commercial applications.
When we speak of amboyna, we’re actually speaking of the amboyna burl which grows on the Narra tree. You may also hear people interchangeably referring to amboyna wood or just amboyna among other names. And burls from the Burma Padauk tree are also often sold as amboyna.
It’s a very rare wood due to past over harvesting and as such is very expensive when found regardless of what you call it.
Here are 7 questions regarding amboyna burls with detailed answers for each to help you learn more about this rare and somewhat understated wood.
Where does amboyna burl wood come from?
You will often come across references to amboyna burl to describe products made with this particular type of wood. A burl is a deformation on a tree – many types of trees have them – that looks like a large round knot on the side of the trunk. It often appears like a branch used to grow there and broke off.
A burl can be described as a growth or scar on the Narra tree that when harvested can be used to create something very unique due to the random grain patterns and coloration.
Amboyna burls are often used in conjunction with regular Narra wood to create customized furniture and other products due to the interesting pattern and grain that is produced.
Is amboyna a hardwood?
Amboyna is technically not a tree at all but a burl that is found on the Narra tree, an exotic hardwood that is heavy and dense but polishes well. Ambonya has a Janka hardness rating of 1260 which means it’s similar to birch, slightly harder than red oak and a little bit softer than white ash.
Due to the difficulty of finding amboyna in large quantities, you tend not to hear about it used as a flooring option or in other applications that require significant amounts even though its hardness and rich colors could make it a natural choice for this purpose.
One concern with amboyna is that various parts of the tree can have different levels of density and hardness which can make it difficult to work with especially given the expensive and rare nature which can make mistakes costly.
Where is amboyna grown?
Amboyna is grown throughout Southeast Asia and specifically in Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, China, East Timor, the Philippines, Thailand and Vietnam among other countries.
Because it is grown in numerous distinct countries, it is known locally by different names including Narra, Amboyna burr, Amboyna burl, Narra, Narra burl and Rosewood among others. Some of the countries and regions where Amboyna wood can be found include:
- Indonesia: Amboyna wood is commonly associated with Indonesia and is found in various parts of the country, particularly in the Maluku Islands (formerly known as the Moluccas). The city of Ambon, located in the Maluku Islands, is often linked to the wood’s name.
- Malaysia: It can also be found in Malaysia, particularly in regions like Sarawak on the island of Borneo.
- Philippines: Amboyna wood is found in the Philippines, particularly in the Mindanao region.
- Papua New Guinea: Some varieties of Pterocarpus indicus, known as Narra, are found in Papua New Guinea and can produce Amboyna burl.
- South Pacific Islands: The wood can be found in other South Pacific islands as well.
Due to the high demand for Amboyna wood and concerns about overharvesting, regulations and conservation efforts have been implemented in many of these regions to protect the trees and ensure sustainable harvesting practices.
It’s essential to source Amboyna wood from reputable and responsible suppliers who adhere to these regulations to support the preservation of this valuable and endangered wood species.
What specific attributes does amboyna have?
Narra trees from which amboyna burls grow are considered to be fast-growing medium-sized trees that generally grow as high as 100′ (30 m) with a trunk diameter as large as 5′ (1.5 m).
The center of amboyna (heartwood) varies in color and can typically range from a golden yellow to reddish brown. The outer part of the wood features an often wavy grain and a coarse texture. It is considered a durable wood and can generally withstand rot, decay and termites.
Narra leaves are broad so they are wider than they are long and are also compound with multiple individual leaflets.
Given that they are used to growing in hot, moist climates, they do not deal well with frosts, droughts or other extreme weather conditions.
What commercial uses does amboyna have?
Amboyna wood, often referred to as Amboyna burl or Padauk burl, is highly prized in woodworking and various luxury crafts due to its stunning appearance and unique burl patterns. Some of the commercial uses of Amboyna wood include:
- Fine Furniture: Amboyna wood is a favorite choice for crafting high-end and luxury furniture pieces. It is used for making cabinets, tables, chairs, and other fine furniture items.
- Cabinetry: The rich and intricate grain patterns of Amboyna burl make it a popular choice for crafting exquisite cabinetry and storage units.
- Decorative Items: The wood is used to create a wide range of decorative items, including jewelry boxes, picture frames, and ornamental carvings, which showcase its natural beauty.
- Knife Handles: Amboyna wood is sometimes used for making knife handles, providing both aesthetic appeal and durability.
- Musical Instruments: In the crafting of musical instruments, Amboyna wood is occasionally used for making high-end guitar bodies, violin backs, and other instrument components.
- Veneer: The wood is sliced into thin veneer sheets and applied as a decorative surface layer to enhance the appearance of furniture, cabinetry, and architectural details. More on this below.
- Turned Objects: Woodturners use Amboyna burl to create turned objects such as bowls, platters, and decorative art pieces due to its striking figure.
- Luxury and Collectible Items: Amboyna wood is often incorporated into luxury and collectible items, including pens, chess sets, and humidors, adding value and visual appeal.
- Boat Interiors: In the construction of luxury yachts and boats, Amboyna wood is used for interior paneling and trim work.
- Restoration Projects: Antique and vintage furniture restoration may involve the use of Amboyna wood to replace or repair damaged parts.
Historically amboyna wood veneer was used on early production Rolls Royce dashboards and Daimler-Benz has used an amboyna wood veneer trim for the interiors of these very expensive automobiles.
It’s important to note that Amboyna wood is considered a luxury material due to its limited availability and the unique character of its burl patterns. As such, it is typically reserved for high-end and bespoke projects where its beauty can be fully appreciated.
Additionally, conservation efforts are in place to protect Amboyna trees, as they have become endangered in their natural habitat due to overharvesting. Buyers and craftsmen are encouraged to source Amboyna wood responsibly and in accordance with legal and sustainable practices.
How valuable is amboyna burl wood?
Amboyna burl wood is considered very valuable since amboyna is a rare and prized wood to begin with and not every narra tree has a burl. You can find small amboyna blanks suitable for make a pen for $10 and 5 lbs of amboyna cutoffs for around $200.
A 2 lbs turning blank costs around $225 and a 5 lbs slice of exhibition grade burl costs around $1,200.
Several factors contribute to the high value of Amboyna burl wood:
- Unique Burl Patterns: Amboyna burl is known for its intricate and captivating burl patterns, which include swirls, knots, eyes, and irregular grain formations. These unique patterns make each piece of Amboyna burl wood a work of art.
- Rich Coloration: The heartwood of Amboyna burl exhibits a wide range of colors, including shades of red, orange, brown, and sometimes violet or pink. The combination of these colors adds to its visual appeal.
- Exotic Origin: Amboyna wood comes from the Pterocarpus indicus tree, which is native to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. Its exotic origin adds to its allure and exclusivity.
- Limited Availability: Due to conservation concerns and overharvesting, Amboyna trees have become increasingly rare in their natural habitat. This scarcity has driven up demand for the wood, making it even more valuable.
- High Density: Amboyna wood is dense and durable, making it suitable for a wide range of applications, including fine furniture and decorative items.
- Craftsmanship: Amboyna burl wood is often used in high-end and luxury woodworking projects, where the craftsmanship and attention to detail enhance its value.
- Luxury Market: It is favored by artisans, woodturners, and manufacturers of luxury and collectible items, further elevating its market value.
The high value of Amboyna burl wood means that it is typically reserved for special and bespoke projects, where its beauty can be fully appreciated. However, it is essential to source Amboyna wood responsibly and in compliance with legal and sustainable practices, as many Amboyna trees are considered endangered due to habitat loss and overharvesting. Conservation efforts are in place to protect these valuable trees and their unique wood.
What is amboyna veneer used for?
Amboyna burl wood veneer can be purchased in sheets for use in furniture, cabinets, artwork and other uses. It’s also well-known for being used on dashboards for higher end cars such as Rolls Royce and Daimler Benz’s Maybach model.
Amboyna veneer, which is derived from Amboyna burl wood, is highly prized for its stunning and unique grain patterns. It is used for a variety of decorative and high-end applications, including:
- Furniture: Amboyna veneer is often used as a decorative surface layer for furniture pieces. It can be applied to tabletops, cabinet fronts, drawer faces, and other furniture components to enhance their visual appeal. The intricate burl patterns and rich colors of Amboyna veneer add a touch of luxury to fine furniture.
- Cabinetry: Cabinetmakers and woodworkers use Amboyna veneer to create eye-catching cabinetry designs. It can be applied to kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and storage units, providing a distinctive and elegant look.
- Architectural Millwork: Amboyna veneer is utilized in architectural millwork projects to add decorative accents to interior spaces. It can be applied to wall panels, moldings, wainscoting, and ceiling details, enhancing the overall aesthetics of homes and commercial spaces.
- Musical Instruments: The unique and visually appealing characteristics of Amboyna veneer make it a suitable choice for crafting musical instruments, including guitars, violins, and pianos. It can be used for instrument backs, tops, and decorative inlays.
- Marquetry and Inlay Work: Artisans and craftsmen use Amboyna veneer for marquetry and inlay work, creating intricate designs and patterns on various surfaces, such as tabletops, jewelry boxes, and decorative panels.
- Boat Interiors: In the construction of luxury yachts and boats, Amboyna veneer is often applied to interior paneling, cabinetry, and trim work, providing an upscale and elegant appearance.
- Fine Woodworking Projects: Woodworkers and artisans use Amboyna veneer to add a touch of elegance and uniqueness to their fine woodworking projects, including custom furniture, keepsake boxes, and wall art.
- Restoration and Antique Reproduction: Amboyna veneer is sometimes used in the restoration of antique furniture and the reproduction of historic pieces, helping to recreate the original aesthetics.
- Luxury and Collectible Items: Amboyna veneer is incorporated into luxury and collectible items, including pens, humidors, chess sets, and decorative art pieces, enhancing their value and visual appeal.
Amboyna veneer’s intricate burl patterns and rich colors make it a preferred choice for projects where aesthetics and visual impact are paramount. It is often used to create one-of-a-kind, bespoke pieces that showcase the wood’s unique beauty.
Given the low availability and relatively high cost of amboyna burl, veneer is an unsurprising and smart usage.
Final thoughts
Here is a summary table outlining characteristics and facts related to Amboyna burl.
| Characteristics/Factors | Amboyna Burl |
|---|---|
| Wood Source | Burl wood from the Padauk tree species (Pterocarpus indicus) |
| Origin | Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Burma |
| Appearance | Highly prized for its intricate and mesmerizing grain patterns; features swirling, chaotic figure |
| Color | Rich reddish-brown with darker streaks; may also include orange, yellow, and black accents |
| Grain Pattern | Irregular and complex, creating a 3D effect; burl clusters can vary widely |
| Density | Moderately dense; about 0.75 to 0.8 g/cm³ |
| Workability | Can be challenging due to its hardness and irregular grain; requires sharp tools |
| Uses | Highly valued for fine woodworking, luxury items, and decorative applications |
| Common Applications | High-end furniture, turned objects, knife handles, inlay work, jewelry boxes, musical instruments |
| Sustainability | Burl wood from endangered or protected species might not be sustainable; seek legal sources |
| Rarity | Considered rare due to the limited size of burls and intricate grain; high demand contributes to rarity |
| Cost | Among the most expensive woods due to its scarcity and intricate beauty |
| Conservation | Protection and sustainable sourcing are essential to preserve the Padauk tree species |
Note: Amboyna burl is revered for its unique appearance, but sourcing from legal and sustainable sources is crucial to protect endangered tree species and their ecosystems.