When three teak burl slabs are placed together, the first thing that catches the eye is their different outlines. One extends like a long, spreading branch, while another forms curves across its broad surface, with its width changing toward the end. Even slabs sold under the same product name, teak burl, each have a distinct overall shape and different points where the grain meets the edges.
Overall form comes first
When choosing a slab, it is better to look at the whole piece first rather than immediately focusing on the grain pattern. A photo that clearly shows the outline also reveals the wider and narrower sections and the curves along the edges. If you plan to make an object or place the slab in a space, you can also consider how its shape will fit the working dimensions. Examining the uncut edges in the photo helps you estimate which edges to keep and which areas to trim.
The grain changes direction even across a broad surface
Up close, the grain does not run in just one direction. It may wrap along a curve or spread across the broad surface. Because these differences vary from slab to slab, it is difficult to judge the whole piece from the impression of a single photo. Comparing the full view with close-up images in turn allows you to see where the pattern begins and which edge it follows.
Consider the dimensions and shape together
For slabs whose dimensions are listed in the product name, the width, length, and thickness can be checked alongside the shape. The numbers help you estimate the space required for a project, while the photos show the actual outline and the flow across the surface. For a slab that is wider at one end or narrows in the middle, it is difficult to infer the shape from the dimensions alone. It is therefore best to use the full photo as a reference and then check the grain in the detail photos.
The name teak burl alone cannot define the character of every slab. Comparing photos of the three pieces shows how their outlines, broad surfaces, and edge grain connect in different ways. After first confirming the size you need, examining which lines and patterns to preserve within that space is the first step in choosing wood.
