What is Figure in Woodworking? Avoid Common Challenges

Wood is a wonderful and versatile material, but it can come with unique challenges. Knowing how to spot and work with wood figure is crucial when aiming for flawless cabinetry that meets client expectations.

 This article explores what figure is in woodworking and the challenges it presents, and offers some practical strategies to avoid its impact on projects.

Figure Defined

Wood “figure” refers to deviations or patterns in the grain of the wood. It’s an occurrence that can be caused by disruptions in the tree’s growth or other factors like climate, insect activity, or physical damage.

you work with wood, you may notice swirling patterns, waves, and other unique designs. Some common types of wood figure are:

• Bird’s Eye: Small swirls resembling eyes, often found in sugar maples
• Tiger Stripe: Alternating light and dark stripes, seen in woods like birch
• Burl: Irregular grains caused by dormant buds or abnormal tree growth
• Fiddleback: A wavy, symmetrical pattern common to maple

While some like the eye-catching aesthetic of figured wood, it can be unpredictable to work with.

 Why is Figure a Challenge?

Figure can cause difficulties in the world of custom cabinetry. Here’s why:

Staining Issues
One of the big drawbacks of figured wood is the way it absorbs stain. Due to the irregular composition of the grain, stain adheres unevenly, which can create a blotchy or inconsistent look. This is especially problematic in cabinetry where uniformity is key.

Finish Consistency
Custom kitchen and bath cabinetry often involves precision finishes and coatings. Figured wood can cause variation in how coatings appear, which can result in high sheen or dull spots.

Structural Instability
Certain types of figure can cause structural weakness in wood. They tend to crack more easily and make them unsuitable for some applications that require durability or a fine finish.

How to Avoid Issues with Figured Wood

If figure is a concern for your project, here are some strategies to mitigate its impact.

Allow for Figure Tolerance
A rule of thumb is to account for figure in about one-third of the piece’s overall appearance. This approach aligns with Meridian Products tolerance standards for maintaining a consistent aesthetic.

Select Paint Over Stain
When possible, choose painted finishes instead of stains when working with wood that has a prominent figure. Painted finishes help obscure the grain, eliminating blotchiness or uneven finishes. We also offer different grades of wood to suit your specific needs. Paint grade wood allows for more natural wood characteristics, while regular grade tends to limit these for a smoother, more refined appearance.

Consult the Spec Book
Refer to your project’s spec book or consult your project manager when deciding how to finish figured wood. Manufacturer guidelines may provide tolerance details, acceptable standards, and best-practice advice for finishes.

Collaborate with an Industry Expert
Working with a trusted partner like Meridian Products will ensure that your project meets high-quality standards. Browse our natural products or contact our team to discuss how we can help bring your unique vision to life.