What creates the lace pattern?

Large medullary rays visible on quartersawn surfaces create the distinctive lace-like figure.

Does it need to be quartersawn?

Yes, the lace pattern only appears on quartersawn faces. Flatsawn lacewood looks unremarkable.

Is lacewood difficult to finish?

Not particularly, but use light sanding pressure to avoid flaking the ray cells.

Decorative panels

furniture accents

turned objects

veneer

musical instruments

jewelry boxes

How to Finish Lacewood: Complete Staining & Sealing Guide (2026)

Prepared by Lumberama's Wood Finishing Team

|Last updated June 9, 2026|Sources & methodology

Lacewood is named for its distinctive lace-like pattern created by large medullary rays visible on quartersawn surfaces. This unique figure makes it a striking choice for decorative panels, furniture accents, and turned objects.

Key Takeaways

Lacewood is named for its distinctive lace-like pattern created by large medullary rays visible on quartersawn surfaces.
This unique figure makes it a striking choice for decorative panels, furniture accents, and turned objects.
Clear lacquer to showcase the lace pattern; shellac for warm tone; water-based poly for color-true appearance; oil for hand-rubbed natural look.
Quartersawn shows large, distinctive ray fleck pattern.
Diffuse-porous with large pores.

Wood Characteristics

Quartersawn shows large, distinctive ray fleck pattern. Diffuse-porous with large pores. 840 Janka. Reddish-brown with silvery-pink ray flecks creating lace-like pattern. Low tannin.

Recommended Finishes

Clear lacquer to showcase the lace pattern; shellac for warm tone; water-based poly for color-true appearance; oil for hand-rubbed natural look.

Preparation Steps

Sand through 120, 150, 180, 220 grit. The large ray flecks can flake when sanded aggressively. Use light pressure. Fill pores with grain filler if smooth finish desired. No conditioner needed.

Application Steps

1. Apply grain filler if desired. 2. Sand flush 320. 3. Apply clear finish in thin coats. 4. Dry 24 hours. 5. Sand 400 between coats. 6. Apply 3 coats. 7. Rub out final coat to desired sheen.

Maintenance Schedule

Oil: refresh every 6-12 months. Poly: recoat every 5-8 years. Lacquer: 5-8 years. The lace pattern remains visible through all clear finishes.

Common Mistakes

Sanding too aggressively causing ray flecks to flake; using stain that obscures the lace pattern; not filling pores for smooth finish; orienting boards to miss the quartersawn figure.

Interior vs Exterior

Interior: Excellent for decorative panels, furniture accents, and turned objects. Clear finishes essential to showcase the distinctive pattern. Exterior: Not recommended. Poor outdoor durability.