Curly maple, also know as tiger maple, is a figured wood. That is to say the grain of the wood grows in a distinctive wavy pattern. It is not clear what causes this rare defect but when curly maple is sawed across that grain an iridescent striping, or flame, is revealed in the face of the plank. Wwhen curly maple is split along the grain the growth pattern is exposed. The size, intensity and consistency of the curl throughout the board determines the grade or quality.

While this curl is in the grain of the wood and not in the finish, finishing technique is critical to the look of curly maple furniture. As with 18th century curly maple furniture, we scrape our furniture by hand to accentuate the figure. Tiger that is only sanded will appear flat and lifeless. A finish is then applied that simulates the desirable warm patina of colonial period curly maple furniture.

The use of curly maple in furniture reached its peak in Colonial America during the 18th century. Used in most of the important furniture making centers during the period, figured maple was most prevalently applied in New England. Strongly figured curly maple in an otherwise run of the mill piece of antique furniture, such as a Windsor chair, usually adds many times to its value. Other native species were used to make wonderful and important furniture but D.R.DIMES collectors overwhelmingly prefer curly maple.