Spalted Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight with fine, even texture, featuring dramatic spalting (black zone lines caused by fungal activity) and sections of irregular grain where the rot has begun to transition.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a creamy off-white to light reddish brown, while sapwood is pale. This sample shows extensive black 'zone lines' and grayish discoloration due to spalting. It will darken slightly to a golden hue with age.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable; spalting is an early stage of decay, making the wood susceptible to further rot and insect attack if not dried and sealed.
Common Uses
Turning (bowls/vases), furniture accents, musical instruments (heavy figuring), cabinetry, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (USA and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the spalting and structural integrity.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly split from a log; the fungal lines suggest the log has been lying in a moist environment for 6-24 months post-felling.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable from FSC sources.
Workability
Generally works well, but spalted areas can be 'punky' (soft/spongy), leading to tearout. Requires sharp tools and sometimes stabilizers like wood hardener or CA glue during turning/planing.
Notable Features
Distinctive black lines (zone lines) created by competing fungi. Dust from spalted wood can be a respiratory irritant/allergen; a respirator is highly recommended during sanding.
Finish Recommendations
Film-building finishes like polyurethane or lacquer help stabilize the surface. Clear oils (Tung or Danish) beautifully highlight the contrast of the spalting lines.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the tight grain characteristic of Maple and the classic black zone lines of fungal spalting is highly diagnostic.