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Slab Information
Dimensions:
Mappa Burl Slab MBSS6 Grade 4A
This stunning species boasts a beautiful burl character that is unique and must been seen in person to be appreciated. It is easy to work with, though the irregular grain may require sharp tools to avoid tear-out, and it takes finishes exceptionally well, achieving a smooth, glossy surface. Commonly used for high-end furniture veneers, pens, knife handles, turned bowls, decorative accents, and inlays, Mappa burl is highly valued for its unique visual appeal and versatility in fine woodworking projects.
- Length: 86 inches
- Thickness: 11/4
- Common Name(s): Black Poplar, Lombardy Poplar, Italian Poplar, Mappa burl
- Scientific Name: Populus nigra
- Distribution: Europe, western Asia, Northern Africa; planted as an ornamental in North America. The species grows primarily in Europe, typically in boggy lowland areas, river valleys, pond margins, and forest margins.
- Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 3-5 ft (1-1.5 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 24 lbs/ft3
- Janka Hardness: 460 lbf
- Crushing Strength: 5,220 lbf/in2
Heartwood: Heartwood tends to be a light brown.
Sapwood: Sapwood is a pale yellow to nearly white, and isn’t clearly demarcated, tending to gradually blend into the heartwood. This species also yields a unique burl that’s commonly sold as Mappa or Mapa.
Grain: Grain is generally straight to slightly irregular or interlocked.
Texture: This species sports a uniform medium texture with low natural luster.
Rated as non-durable, and also susceptible to insect attack.
Easy to work with hand and machine tools, though sharp cutters are necessary when planing to avoid fuzzy surfaces, (subsequent fine-sanding may be necessary to obtain a smooth surface). Wood has a tendency to warp and distort during drying. Glues and finishes well.
Mappa Burl, from the European poplar trees (Populus nigra to be exact), has grown more and more popular. This stunning species boasts a beautiful burl character that is unique in the fact that it is more like an ingrown bark than the true burl as seen in maple, madrona, walnut, Carpathian elm and other burls. Although it is a European species, it was grown on the West Coast by early Italian immigrants.