Stabilized Maple Burl project block 2 x 2 x 5 - product of Canada

Stabilized Maple Burl project block – 2" × 2" × 5", product of Canada

Create striking, one-of-a-kind turned projects with this stabilized and dyed maple burl project block. The warm amber tone highlights the burl’s complex figure. Maple burl is prized for its swirling grain, eyes, and unpredictable patterns that make every finished piece truly unique. Professionally stabilized, this block offers added strength, improved consistency, and easier machining compared to untreated burl.

What is burl?

Burl is a natural growth anomaly that forms when a tree responds to stress, injury, or environmental factors. Instead of straight grain, the fibres grow in tight, swirling, and interlocked patterns, creating dramatic figure that cannot be replicated. Each burl block is completely unique.

What does “stabilized” mean?

Stabilized wood has been impregnated with resin under pressure. This process fills microscopic voids and reinforces weaker areas within highly figured wood like burl. The result is a block that drills more cleanly, turns more predictably, and is far less prone to tear-out, cracking, or blowouts than unstabilized burl.

Burl is a natural product and wood pattern will vary. Some colour variability is also to be expected, as different blanks have different densities that affect how the wood absorbs resin and dye. We do not offer refunds for colour variability within the blank or other slight internal imperfections.

The blank shown in the photograph is representative only. Your blanks will be selected at random and may differ somewhat from the image shown.

What size is this block?

Each project block measures approximately 2" × 2" × 5", providing ample material for shaping, trimming, and refining your design while still being easy to handle on the lathe or at the bench.

What projects can I make with this size of block? 

This 2" square format is ideal for a wide range of small turning and shaping projects, including bottle stoppers, rings, kitchen kit handles, small knobs, finials, pepper mill tops, and other compact accessories. It also works well for short spindle-style projects where visual impact is key. 

How should I finish this wood?

These blanks are easy to drill and turn. For best results, sand progressively using Abranet or sanding mesh, followed by Micro Mesh. Use a cyanoacrylate glue finish followed by a plastic polish. Friction polishes like Doctor's Wood Shop, Mylands, Aussie Oil or Shellawax products will also give you a durable, high gloss finish. In place of Abranet or sanding mesh, you can also use abrasive pastes like Superior Grit and Superior Grit Microfine as an alternative before starting to apply the finish of your choice.

Two fun facts about maple burl

• Maple burl is so dense with figure that no two cuts from the same burl ever look the same, even when taken side by side.
• Burls can take decades to form on a living tree, which is why high-quality maple burl is considered both rare and highly desirable for fine woodworking and turning projects.

Price per project block in Canadian dollars.