Is Lacewood Worth It? Properties, Uses, and Why Its Pattern Changes Under Finish

Lacewood is a great option if you are looking for a stunning, spotted figure that is economical and exotic. It is medium hard, easy to cut and sand, and ideal for guitar sets, pen blanks, turning blanks, and cutting boards. The only time when it doesn’t work well is when you require a dense, fine-grained, and oily wood, and it can tear out under a planer.

Is lacewood worth it?

As far as woodworkers, guitar makers, DIY guitar enthusiasts, and woodturners go, the question of whether lacewood is worth it or not lies in what it can do after applying the finish. When plain, it appears to be somewhat dull until it gets a coat of oil, shellac, or lacquer where it develops a leopard-like iridescence. At Exotic Wood Zone, we have lacewood as tonewood, lumber, and turning wood, so here is what it does in the workshop.

What Is Lacewood Wood?

Lacewood is actually a brand name and does not represent one particular species. Lacewood available at Exotic Wood Zone is Southern Silky Oak (Grevillea robusta). Also included in the group of lacewoods are Northern silky oak (Cardwellia sublimis) and some species from South America – all of which are not real oaks.

Lace structure is formed of large medullary rays, and the saw used for cutting the board through the medullary rays reveals flecks reaching up to two inches in length. Flatsawn boards have little beauty, so the cut is important when purchasing the wood.

What Are the Key Properties of Lacewood?

Why Does Lacewood's Pattern Change Under Finish?

Unfinished lacewood has a dull appearance because the light rays scattered by the sanded surface cause this effect. The finish brings out the clarity of the surface, allowing the ray flecks to reflect light in a different way from the rest of the wood fibers. The final result is a brighter appearance with a shifting shimmer effect depending on how you tilt the board or the lighting direction. 

Your choice of finish also influences the color, since oil based finishes and shellac have a warmer and amber coloring, while the water based finishes remain relatively light and cool. Just like many other types of wood, lacewood may darken from light.

Which Finish Suits Lacewood Best?

• Oil or oil-varnish blend: warm, rich colors with an almost glow for turned pieces.
• Shellac: a traditional amber color that works well on guitars.
• Water-based lacquer or polyurethane: provides the least alteration of the guitar’s sound.
• Pore filler: the rough surface may require pore filling to achieve a smooth guitar finish.

What Is Lacewood Best Used For?

• Tonewoods and acoustic guitar sets: EWZ listings indicate that it has a bright, clear tone with warmth, and provides classical and dreadnought back and side sets.
• Drop tops: electric builders can use thin figured stock as a flecked cap; check current stock.
• Pen blanks and turning woods: it turns easily with sharp tools, and reveals the figure in small sizes.
• Cutting boards: The wood species used for these boards is Silky Oak and it is important to make sure the finish is non-toxic.
• Hobby woods: The wood species are good for making boxes, inlays and small stands.

How Does Lacewood Compare to Other Exotic Woods?

Lacewood resembles mahogany and walnut in feel at the workbench, though it doesn’t look anything like either one. If you like to have figured wood that’s exotic and yet not hard to work with, this is the choice for you.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid With Lacewood?

• Buying flatsawn stock when you want the lace.
• Taking heavy planer passes, which tear out flecks. Use light passes, sharp knives, or a card scraper.
• Skipping a finish test on an offcut.
• Ignoring dust. Use a collection and a respirator.

Lacewood FAQs

1. Is lacewood worth it for acoustic guitars?
   Yes, for builders who want visual impact and a bright, articulate voice. Quartersawn sets show the strongest figure. Tone is subjective, so match it to your design.
2. Is lacewood hard or soft?
   Medium-hard. Southern silky oak measures roughly 840 to 880 lbf on the Janka scale, softer than hard maple.
3. Is lacewood the same as silky oak?
   Often, yes. Silky oak is the Australian name and lacewood is common in the U.S. market. Species vary, so confirm the botanical name.
4. Why does lacewood look different after finishing?
   Finish clarifies the surface, so the ray flecks reflect light and read with more contrast.
5. Can you turn lacewood on a lathe?
   Yes. Sharp tools and light cuts give clean results.

Conclusion: Is Lacewood Worth It?

When purchasing lacewood lumber in quartersawn cuts, do remember to test your finish results. Using this wood allows you to enjoy its extraordinary patterns, its medium-hardness, ease of working with it, and relatively low price compared to other exotic woods. In this instance, quartersawn, lightly planed, and with a chosen finish helps bring out contrast. Ready to start building? Find your desired lacewood tonewoods, lumber and turning blanks at Exotic Wood Zone.