Lacewood

A pale timber whose quarter-sawn face shows large silky flecks, sold mostly for that appearance.

The classic lacewood is Cardwellia sublimis from Queensland, and the figure that gives it the name appears only when a log is quarter-sawn, so the rays are cut end-on into a broad, lace-like pattern. Several unrelated timbers are sold under the same name, so it describes a look more than a species. It is commonly described as light and bright with a fairly thin, quick voice, and it is used mainly as a decorative cap or for showy acoustic backs and sides rather than as a structural wood. It is soft for a hardwood, dents easily and produces irritant dust.

Example: A lacewood cap over a plain body supplies the instrument's entire visual character while adding very little weight.

typical use: Thin body caps, and acoustic backs and sides on showy instruments.

Lacewood

See also