Spalted Maple (likely Silver or Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum or Acer saccharinum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but featuring distinct spalted patterns consisting of irregular dark 'zone lines' caused by fungal colonization. The bowl display shows cathedral-like elliptical patterns arising from the lathe-turning process.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood. The spalted areas introduce dramatic black, dark brown, and grey streaks. This wood typically yellows slightly with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
950 to 1,450 lbf (Medium to Hard classification, though spalting can create soft 'punky' spots)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; perishable regarding decay resistance and susceptible to insect attack, especially as the spalting process originates from decay.
Common Uses
Turning (bowls and vessels), decorative veneer, musical instruments (guitar tops), and high-end specialty furniture.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and Canada
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Ranges from $10.00 to $25.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the spalted figure and structural integrity.
Wood Age Estimate
The wood appears to be from a contemporary piece (last 5-10 years) showing a modern food-grade or oil finish and sharp lathe-cutting marks in the grain transitions.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available in its native range.
Workability
Generally works well with sharp tools, but the spalted areas are prone to 'tearout' because the fungal activity softens the fiber structure. High-speed sanding is required to achieve a smooth finish on uneven density areas.
Notable Features
Features distinct black zone lines (fungal borders). Dust from spalted wood can be a respiratory irritant and allergen due to fungal spores; using a respirator is highly recommended during turning/sanding.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (like Tung or Walnut oil) or polyurethane to stabilize the softer spalted fibers. If used for food, a beeswax and mineral oil blend is recommended.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic black zone lines against a fair-colored, diffuse-porous hardwood grain are classic indicators of Spalted Maple.