Spalted Maple (likely Silver or Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharinum or Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but heavily figured with spalting (fungal discoloration) creating dark, winding 'zone lines' and irregular patches. Features a flat-sawn cathedral pattern visible in the growth rings.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish-brown base color. The defining characteristic is the black to dark brown fungal lines and grey-blue staining. Luster is medium, though spalting can create soft, punky spots with less sheen.
Hardness Rating
950 to 1,450 lbf (Medium to Hard classification dependent on specific maple species and fungal degradation)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack. The spalting process itself is a form of early-stage fungal decay.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, turned bowls, electric guitar tops, cabinetry, veneer, and decorative turned objects.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Between $12.00 and $25.00 per board foot depending on the intensity and stability of the figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Post-harvest age appears low (freshly planed); the tree likely reached 40-60 years of age before harvesting based on growth ring density.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; Maple is abundant and not listed on CITES or the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.
Workability
Generally works well, but spalted areas can be 'punky' or soft, requiring sharp tools or stabilizers (like CA glue or wood hardener) to prevent tearout during planing or sanding.
Notable Features
Distinctive black 'zone lines' caused by fungi; dust from spalted wood can be a respiratory irritant and potentially allergenic, requiring high-quality PPE.
Finish Recommendations
Clear film-building finishes like polyurethane or lacquer are recommended to seal the porous spalted sections and highlight the figure; oils can sometimes penetrate unevenly.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic black zone lines against a pale, fine-grained substrate are definitive markers of spalted maple.