pomelle

Pomelle is a figure that appears in certain hardwoods, most commonly African species like sapele, meranti, and makore, where the grain surface rises and falls in small rounded bumps or waves rather than lying flat. This three-dimensional surface pattern catches light unevenly, creating the visual effect of quilting or puffiness across the wood face. It occurs most often on quarter-sawn surfaces and is prized for decorative veneers and high-end furniture panels.

The physical cause of pomelle is compression and grain distortion in the growing tree, typically from irregular growth stress or interlocked grain that reverses direction in waves. When the wood is machined or sanded, these reversals leave the softer and harder grain sections at slightly different heights. The result is visible only after finishing, and the effect becomes more pronounced under angled lighting.

Appearance and Grading

Pomelle ranges from subtle, small-scale undulation to bold, deeply quilted surfaces depending on the species and grain intensity. The bumps are usually 2 to 5 millimeters in amplitude and create a tactile as well as visual texture. In veneer, pomelle is highly valued and commands premium prices; in solid lumber it is less common and often sanded smooth for construction use, removing the figure in the process.

The term comes directly from the French word for apple, referring to the rounded, apple-like swellings on the wood surface. It is distinct from other figured grains such as quilted (which is flatter and more two-dimensional), bird's eye, and wavy grain, though these terms are sometimes used interchangeably in trade literature, which can cause confusion when ordering veneers or special lumber.

Pomelle veneer must be handled carefully because the raised grain is fragile; the bumps can crush or splinter during pressing and edge-banding. It is typically found in panel form rather than as solid stock, and finishing requires careful sanding progression with fine grits to preserve the figure while creating a level surface. The cost premium reflects both the selective harvesting of figured logs and the technical demands of milling and pressing.