Maple (most likely Soft Maple with Ambrosia figure)
Acer rubrum (Red Maple) or Acer saccharinum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight grain with distinct 'Ambrosia' or 'ghost' figure caused by wood-boring beetles; features dark streaks and small larval holes.
Color Description
Natural heartwood is light to medium brown with sapwood being off-white to creamy tan. Dark gray to brown streaks run parallel to the grain. It tends to yellow slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium); softer than Hard Maple but significantly harder than softwoods.
Durability Rating
Non-durable; perishable regarding decay resistance. Susceptible to insect attack (the streaks themselves are a result of previous beetle activity).
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, musical instruments, turned objects, flooring, and decorative veneer where the unique streaking is desired.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Approximately $4.50 to $7.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the figure and regional availability.
Wood Age Estimate
The board appears relatively modern and freshly surfaced, likely processed within the last 5-10 years based on the lack of deep oxidation/patina.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List. Widely available and often FSC certified.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Glues and finishes well, though the areas around 'worm holes' may require extra sanding to prevent finish bleeding.
Notable Features
Distinctive dark fungal staining caused by the symbiosis between wood-boring beetles and fungi. Odorless. Fairly lightweight compared to Rock Maple.
Finish Recommendations
Clear coats such as polyurethane, lacquer, or oils are recommended to highlight the contrast of the Ambrosia streaks. Avoid heavy stains that mask the natural figure.
Identification Confidence
High; the presence of specific elongated dark streaks with central borer holes is a definitive characteristic of Ambrosia-figured Maple.