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1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteCurl is a wood figure pattern—also called tiger stripe or ripple—in which compression grain crosses a board’s face, creating alternating bands of hard and soft fiber. The pattern can look three-dimensional, but its strength varies from board to board. Waves or rolls beneath a log’s bark may hint at curl; they are not a reliable test, and some logs hide the figure until the wood is sawn.
What does curl look like in wood?
Curl is a figure pattern, not a separate species. In its description of curl, WOOD Magazine explains that compression grain crosses the face of the board and produces alternating stripes of hard and soft fiber. Depending on the board and the strength of the figure, those bands can appear to shift or ripple as the viewing angle changes, giving the surface a three-dimensional look.
The terms tiger stripe and ripple are also used for curl. They describe the visible pattern; they do not identify a particular species or prove how a log was cut.
Can you tell whether a log has curl before it is sawn?
Waves or rolls visible beneath the bark can be a clue, but not confirmation. Their absence does not rule out curl: some butternut and walnut logs may conceal the figure. The pattern is easier to assess on exposed lumber, where you can see how it appears across the board’s face.
For a purchase, inspect the actual board rather than relying on a log-level clue or a species name alone. Figure strength and consistency vary, so photos of the specific board are more informative than a general description such as “curly.”
Does sawing orientation determine whether a board has curl?
No. Curl can appear in flat-sawn, rift-sawn, and quarter-sawn lumber. Sawing orientation is still useful when comparing boards because the cut affects the board’s appearance, but it is not a reliable yes-or-no test for curl.
Rank #2
- S4S Milling Precision: Surfaced on all four sides, this ¾”inches exotic wood board has parallel faces and straight, parallel edges, providing a square, project-ready foundation for accurate cuts and woodworking
- Curly Maple Hardwood: Highly figured maple hardwood features distinctive tiger-striped rays perpendicular to the grain, creating a naturally shimmering figure that adds visible character to finished woodworking projects.
- Ready-to-Use Lumber: This hardwood lumber is fully surfaced on the top, bottom and edges, allowing ends to be cut square or at an angle and the board to be ripped to a required width
- Versatile Woodworking Material: Curly hardwood boards work well for furniture, casework, boxes, moldings, musical instruments, accents and crafts where distinctive natural grain enhances the finished design
- Finish-Enhancing Figure: Light-colored curly maple responds well to tung or linseed oil, helping the natural figure stand out and maintain its distinctive visual character as you finish and enjoy the completed project
Is curly maple the same as fiddleback maple?
Curly maple is maple lumber with curl figure. WOOD Magazine uses fiddleback for quarter-sawn curly maple, so the term is narrower than curly maple overall. Heavy figure in flat-sawn maple is sometimes mislabeled fiddleback; check the board’s cut and figure rather than treating the two terms as interchangeable.
Which wood species can have curl?
Curl is reported in koa, maples, walnut, ash, oaks, and ebony. These are possible hosts, not a guarantee that any board from those species will show the pattern. WOOD Magazine describes figured trees as uncommon in the author’s experience, but does not give a measured prevalence rate or establish a scientific cause.
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- Attractive grain pattern
- Linear wave figure
- Easy to work
- Get hands on this Christmas! Woodcraft is proud to be America’s leading supplier of high-quality woodworking hand tools, power tools, domestic and exotic wood, shop supplies, project plans and kits, plus so much more! Our family of brands include Highpoint professional-grade fasteners and hardware, and precision-engineered Pinnacle tools. Our products make the perfect holiday gift for anyone that loves woodworking.
What should you check when buying figured lumber?
- Species: Confirm the wood species, since curl is a figure that can occur in several kinds of wood.
- Cut: Ask whether the board is flat-sawn, rift-sawn, or quarter-sawn, especially if it is advertised as fiddleback.
- Board-specific photos: Look at the actual piece in good light to judge the strength and consistency of its figure.
- Dimensions: Verify the board’s thickness, width, and length against your project needs.
WOOD Magazine’s article, updated December 19, 2024, reports that Hearne Hardwoods in Oxford, Pennsylvania, carries figured maple and gives inventory figures for the business at that time. Those reported figures are not confirmation of current stock. Check a supplier directly for present availability and the details of any board you plan to buy.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What does curl mean for woodworking?
The crossing, alternating grain can make smooth surfacing more challenging than on straight-grained lumber. WOOD Magazine advises using sharp tools and a steady hand, but does not prescribe a specific tool or technique. Work carefully and assess the surface as you go rather than assuming the figure will machine like straight grain.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- S4S Milling Precision: Surfaced on all four sides, this 1/2 inches exotic wood board has parallel faces and straight, parallel edges, providing a square, project-ready foundation for accurate cuts and woodworking.
- Curly Maple Hardwood: Highly figured maple hardwood features distinctive tiger-striped rays perpendicular to the grain, creating a naturally shimmering figure that adds visible character to finished woodworking projects
- Ready-to-Use Lumber: This hardwood lumber is fully surfaced on the top, bottom and edges, allowing ends to be cut square or at an angle and the board to be ripped to a required width.
- Versatile Woodworking Material: Curly hardwood boards work well for furniture, casework, boxes, moldings, musical instruments, accents and crafts where distinctive natural grain enhances the finished design.
- Finish-Enhancing Figure: Light-colored curly maple responds well to tung or linseed oil, helping the natural figure stand out and maintain its distinctive visual character as you finish and enjoy the completed project
Rank #4
- Attractive grain pattern
- Linear wave figure
- Easy to work
- Get hands on this Christmas! Woodcraft is proud to be America’s leading supplier of high-quality woodworking hand tools, power tools, domestic and exotic wood, shop supplies, project plans and kits, plus so much more! Our family of brands include Highpoint professional-grade fasteners and hardware, and precision-engineered Pinnacle tools. Our products make the perfect holiday gift for anyone that loves woodworking.
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