Flamed Kiri Wood

The corner of this kitchen cupboard door displays flamed Kiri timber. It is not uncommon for Paulownia trees grown in cool or highly variable climates to produce a proportion of flamed wood. At TGG we have seen it in trial trees cut from our property on the Mornington Peninsula, Victoria Australia, as well as in wood from northern China.

Not many species of tree can produce this highly ornamental variation. It is possible, in varying degrees, to cut flamed wood from select Ash, Australian Blackwood, Birch, Maple, Sycamore and Walnut trees - all of which can be imitated using Paulownia.

Flamed timber is highly valued for decorative uses, especially musical instruments including electric guitar bodies, violins and drums. When moved or viewed from different angles light is reflected from flamed timber, giving a shimmering effect similar to a holographic image.