Black Poplar Burl Veneer AB grade

WoodWay Expert is a reliable supplier of sliced veneer. Since 1996, we have specialized in wholesale supplies (pallets, containers) and guarantee our partners:

• Assistance in material selection;
• Adherence to shipping deadlines;
• Pre-shipment product quality control;
• Individual cooperation terms depending on the scale of the business.

Natural Poplar Burl Veneer: Stock Program

We have sliced veneer in stock for projects of varying complexity and scale. A manager will help you select the right material for your specific tasks. The following parameters are important during selection:

• Grade. The ABC/log grade includes veneer from an entire log without quality sorting. This material is suitable for finishing both external surfaces and internal components.
• Thickness and Dimensions. We offer veneer with a thickness of 0.6 mm (0.023″), a width from 12 cm (4.72″), and a length of 0.5-2.1 m (19.69-82.68″).
• Color. The color palette of any wood species consists of dozens of shades and tones. Upon request, we can select material that is either as uniform in color as possible or has color variations.
• Texture. We have veneer in stock with a uniform color without cracks or defects, as well as a more affordable option with color variations, a chaotic pattern, resin pockets, small cracks, and holes.

Black Poplar Burl Wood

Black poplar (Pópulus nígra) is a deciduous tree common throughout Eurasia. This species is unique due to its swirling grain structure. In the early vegetative period, burls—small growths with dormant buds—form on the tree trunks. Shoots can grow from these burls. It is believed that burls are necessary for the tree’s regeneration.

Technical Specifications

Density. The average density of black poplar wood is approximately 450 kg/m³.

Hardness. Black poplar is a softwood. Its Janka hardness is 470 lbf, and its Brinell hardness is 2.

Toughness. Poplar wood has moderate toughness, so it is not used for products subjected to high operational loads.

Elasticity. The modulus of elasticity for poplar is approximately 9.8 GPa. The species is not used for bent elements.

Texture Features

Color. The heartwood palette consists of beige and light brown shades. The burl growths are darker: dark brown, red, and black.

Grain. The wood has an interlocked and irregular grain. The chaotic grain forms a unique, swirling pattern.

Machining

Mechanical Processing. Poplar wood is easy to work with: it cuts, sands, and glues easily. Experienced craftsmen recommend using a well-sharpened tool when sawing, as the areas with a swirling grain are significantly harder and stronger.

Finishing. Poplar burl can be stained, polished, and coated with oils, waxes, and lacquers.

What is Rotary Cut Poplar Burl Veneer?

Rotary cut veneer is a thin sheet of wood obtained by peeling a log. A log, secured in a lathe, rotates while a long knife peels off a continuous sheet of veneer in a circular motion, like paper from a roll.

The main stages of manufacturing rotary cut veneer are:

1. Raw Material Preparation. First, the logs are trimmed to the required dimensions, and the bark is removed. The wood is not steamed, meaning it is peeled “cold.”
2. Peeling. The prepared log is secured in a special lathe. As the log rotates, a long, sharp knife peels a continuous sheet of veneer from it in a circular motion. This produces a sheet that can be tens of meters long.
3. Drying. The peeled wood sheet is fed into special conveyor dryers to even out the moisture content and stabilize the material’s structure.
4. Cutting. The dried veneer is cut into sheets of specific sizes.
5. Sorting. The cut veneer sheets from a single log are sorted by quality, color, and texture. The finished material is stacked into bundles, then onto pallets. Before shipment, the pallets are shrink-wrapped.

Grade A Poplar Burl Veneer

The “A” designation is used for first-grade facing material. Grade A poplar burl veneer is characterized by:

• Even color: from creamy to golden;
• A clear “cloud” pattern with small eyes, similar to “bird’s eye”;
• A uniform structure.

Applications of Rotary Cut Poplar Burl Veneer

Veneer is a versatile material that allows products made from various materials, such as particleboard, MDF, or plywood, to have the aesthetic of natural wood. Thin wood slices are used in the furniture industry and for interior decor.

Main areas of application:

1. Furniture. The natural material is used to face case goods. Thanks to poplar burl veneer, wardrobes, tables, dressers, nightstands, cabinets, and vanities are transformed into exclusive pieces.
2. Wall Panels. Panels faced with poplar burl veneer are relevant in both modern and classic interiors. The interesting, swirling pattern can create an accent panel for a hallway, bedroom, office, or hotel room.
3. Screens and Room Dividers. Partitions and screens decorated with natural veneer not only help define functional zones but can also become a key detail of a design project.
4. Souvenirs and Home Decor. Burl veneer is a popular material for making souvenirs and various decor items. The wood sheets allow for the creation of unique, aesthetic, and eco-friendly products: boxes, frames for photos and pictures, statuettes, napkin holders, etc.
5. Lighting Elements. Veneer is used to decorate the shades of light fixtures.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

What types of veneer are available for order?

We have natural veneer in stock from European Oak, Red Oak, Beech, Alder, Olive Ash, and Poplar Burl.

What is the minimum order?

The minimum order volume for veneer is 1 pallet.

What are the order delivery times?

Delivery times are affected by the order volume and destination. Estimated timelines are 4-8 weeks.

How is the natural veneer packaged for transport?

Each pallet is hermetically sealed in film for safe sea transport.

What is considered the optimal moisture content for natural veneer?

Natural veneer has a moisture content between 8–10%.

What veneer sizes are available in stock?

The following material parameters are available in stock:

• Thickness: 0.55 mm / 0.021″;
• Width: from 10 cm / from 3.94″;
• Length: 0.8-2 m / 31.5-78.74″; 2.1-3.3 m / 82.68-122.1″.

How should natural veneer be stored correctly?

To preserve its aesthetic and performance qualities, veneer should be stored in a dry, ventilated room with a stable temperature and humidity level.

What grades of natural veneer are there?

We have sliced veneer available in the following grades:

• A. Practically free of knots, with a uniform texture and color.
• B. Allows for sound knots up to 10 mm in diameter, minor color variations, and other characteristics that do not affect strength.
• A/B. An intermediate option, has fewer defects than Grade B.

What is sliced veneer and how does it differ from other types of veneer?

The different types of veneer are distinguished by their production method. Rotary cut veneer is produced by peeling a log in a circular motion, which creates wide sheets. Sliced veneer is obtained by slicing a log. Sawn veneer (lamella) is made by sawing a board.

What is a veneer “face” and what types are there?

A veneer “face” is a professional term for a sheet composed of several veneer leaves. The leaves are selected and joined together to form a single pattern. The main types of faces are: book match (mirrored), slip match, slip and swing match, reverse slip match, random match, and mismatch.

What are the main advantages of sliced veneer?

Sliced veneer preserves the natural pattern and texture of the wood. Using veneer is significantly more cost-effective than using solid wood. Thin slices of wood can be used to face almost any surface, even curved ones. The material is ready to use, which significantly speeds up the production of furniture, wall panels, and other products.