Briar burl
Latin name: Betula pubescens.
Other name: briar.
Origin: southern Europe.
Color: pink to reddish wood.
Heather (Erica arborea), also known as tree heather or white heather, is a species of evergreen shrub belonging to the Ericaceae family. Although often associated with the manufacture of high-end pipes, heather also finds uses in cabinetmaking.
In cabinetmaking, briar is appreciated for its dense, hard and resistant wood, as well as for its attractive grain patterns. The wood ranges in color from pale yellow to golden brown, with dark veins and knots giving it a unique aesthetic appearance. These characteristics make it a prized material for the manufacture of high-end handicrafts such as chests, boxes, musical instruments and luxury items.
The use of heather in cabinetmaking requires skill and appropriate tools due to the density of the wood. However, when properly worked, heather offers exceptional results. Its fine, even grain produces smooth, glossy finishes, helping to create refined, elegant pieces of cabinetwork.
In addition to its aesthetic qualities, heather also possesses practical properties. Because of its hardness and resistance to wear, it is often used to make knife handles, pens, screwdrivers and other tools that require extra durability.
However, it is essential to note that heather is a relatively rare and expensive wood, making it a material of choice for highly skilled craftsmen and cabinetmakers looking to create exceptional and unique pieces.
