Introduction
People commonly call thuya wood the “jewel of Moroccan woodworking.” It is one of the most valuable and rare types of wood in the world. Artisans and collectors have been charmed by thuya wood for ages because of its beautiful grain, interesting smell, and long history.
This article talks about where thuya wood comes from, what it looks like, how it may be used, how long it lasts, and how to care for it. It also addresses some common questions about this amazing material.
What is Thuya Wood ?
Botanical Profile
| Attribute | Details |
| Scientific Name | Tetraclinis articulata |
| Common Names | Thuya, Moroccan Thuya, Arar, Thyine |
| Family | Cupressaceae (Cypress family) |
| Native Range | Atlas Mountains, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia |
| Tree Size | Small conifer, up to 50 feet (15 m) tall |
| Most Prized Part | Underground root burl |
The thuya tree, which is a small, slow-growing conifer that grows in the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and areas of North Africa, is where thuya wood comes from. The underground burl is the most sought-after its portion. It is a thick, tangled mass of wood that grows at the roots and makes the unique “eye” pattern in the grain.
History and Cultural Significance
People have loved thuya wood since ancient times. The Greeks and Romans liked it for its beauty and fragrant oils. They used it in sacred rites and as incense.
In Morocco, thuya woodworking has been a tradition for hundreds of years, notably in the area around Essaouira, where skilled craftsmen have learned how to convert thuya burl into beautiful boxes, furniture, and decorative items.
Physical Characteristics
Appearance
Color: Ranges from golden brown to deep reddish brown, often with darker streaks or “eyes.”
Grain: Swirled, irregular, and highly figured, especially in burl sections.
Texture: Fine to medium, with a natural luster.
Aroma: Distinct, cedar-like, piney fragrance, especially when freshly cut.
Properties
Density: Medium to high (0.62–0.71 g/cm³), making it durable yet workable.
Hardness: Medium hard, firm, but can be brittle in burl form.
Natural Oils: High oil content, contributing to its scent, sheen, and resistance to decay and insects.
Durability: Highly resistant to rot, insects, and moisture, making it suitable for both indoor and select outdoor uses.
Workability and Finishing
Thuya burl is both a delight and a challenge for woodworkers:
Machining: Can be difficult due to swirling grain; sharp tools and careful technique are essential to avoid tear-out.
Sanding: Sands to a high polish, but the oily nature can clog abrasives.
Finishing: Takes oil and wax finishes beautifully, enhancing depth and luster. Polyurethane may remain tacky due to natural oils.
Aroma: The scent persists long after finishing, adding to the sensory appeal of finished objects.
Also read:
Lignum Vitae: Nature’s Hardest Wood – Care & Uses
Pecan Wood: Discover the Pros, Cons, and Little-Known Facts
Uses of Thuya Wood
Thuya wood’s rarity and its beauty limit its use to high-value and small-scale items:
Jewelry Boxes: The most iconic use, often featuring intricate marquetry.
Furniture: Inlays, veneers, and accents in luxury pieces.
Turned Objects: Bowls, vases, pens, and chess pieces.
Knife and Pistol Handles: Valued for its grip and visual appeal.
Carvings and Sculpture: Small decorative objects and art pieces.
Aromatherapy: Oils and resins are used for incense and for traditional medicine.
Sustainability and Conservation
Thuya trees grow slowly, and rare burls that people like are hard to get. Overuse has caused a big drop in native forests, which means that thuya wood is becoming more and more valuable as a resource.
Today, ethical sourcing and sustainable management are very important for the survival of this rare species. People should only buy from trustworthy places that support fair trade and reforestation.
Thuya Wood vs. Other Exotic Woods
| Feature | Thuya Wood | Honduras Mahogany | African Blackwood |
| Origin | Morocco, N. Africa | Central/South America | E. Africa |
| Grain | Swirled, “eyes” | Straight/wavy | Fine, straight |
| Color | Golden to reddish brown | Reddish brown | Dark purplish-black |
| Aroma | Strong, cedar-like | Mild | Mild |
| Durability | Very high | High | Very high |
| Workability | Challenging (burl) | Easy | Difficult |
| Typical Uses | Boxes, inlays, art | Furniture, boats | Instruments, art |
| Price | Very high | High | Very high |
Caring for Thuya Wood
Cleaning: To clean, use a soft cloth that is a little damp and some mild soap. Stay away from strong chemicals.
Polishing: Polish once a year with oil or wax to keep the shine and stop cracks. You can use mineral, olive, or linseed oil.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Don’t let the sun shine directly on it for lengthy periods of time, since this might fade the color and dry out the wood.
Humidity: To keep burl pieces from warping or breaking, keep them in a steady climate.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What makes thuya wood so valuable?
The value of thuya wood comes from how rare it is, how beautiful its grain is, how fragrant its oils are, and how important it is in history. The subterranean burl is very valuable because of its whirling “eye” patterns, which make each piece one of a kind and very sought after.
2. Where does thuya wood come from?
It is native to the Atlas Mountains of Morocco and parts of Algeria and Tunisia. The most famous thuya woodworking comes from the Essaouira region in Morocco.
3. What is a thuya burl?
A burl is a dense, knotted mass that forms at the roots of thuya tree. It produces the most beautiful and highly figured wood, with intricate patterns and “eyes.” Most thuya wood items are made from these burls.
4. Is thuya wood sustainable?
Thuya wood is not considered highly sustainable due to slow growth and overharvesting. Responsible sourcing from managed forests and supporting artisan cooperatives helps promote conservation.
5. How do I care for thuya wood products?
Dust with a soft cloth, avoid direct sunlight, and oil or wax annually to maintain luster and prevent drying.
6. Why is thuya wood often used for small objects?
Because burls are rare, small, and often have splits or defects, large pieces are uncommon. Most thuya wood is used for small, high-value items like boxes, inlays, and turned objects.
7. Does thuya wood have any special scent?
Yes, it has a strong, pleasant cedar-like aroma due to its natural oils. The scent can last for years, especially in closed containers like boxes.
8. Can thuya wood be used for furniture?
Yes, but mainly as inlays, veneers, or accent pieces due to the size and scarcity of burls. Full-sized furniture made entirely from thuya is extremely rare and expensive.
9. What finishes work best on thuya wood?
Oil and wax finishes are recommended to enhance the grain and maintain the natural aroma. Polyurethane may not cure properly due to the wood’s high oil content.
10. Is thuya wood resistant to pests and decay?
Yes, its high oil content makes it naturally resistant to insects, rot, and moisture, contributing to its durability.