Spalted Sugar Maple (Hard Maple)
Acer saccharum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern North America and Eastern Canada.
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Janka) - Hard; however, softened locally due to fungal decay (spalting).
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; highly susceptible to rot, moisture decay, and insect attack if unsealed.
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Grain Pattern
Heavy spalted figure with dark black zone lines caused by fungal decay (white rot), irregular fine grain, and diffuse-porous end-grain structure with prominent medullary rays.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to light yellowish-brown background punctuated by high-contrast, jet-black fungal zone lines and discolored areas of early decay.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Janka) - Hard; however, softened locally due to fungal decay (spalting).
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; highly susceptible to rot, moisture decay, and insect attack if unsealed.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $12.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity, blank size, and degree of structural integrity.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Harvested within the last 1-5 years, but the log was allowed to decompose on the forest floor for several months to a year to achieve advanced spalting.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and non-threatened throughout its natural range.
Common Uses
Woodturning (bowls, platters, spindles), specialty knife handles, decorative veneers, inlay work, and art objects.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and Eastern Canada.
Workability
Fair to poor depending on decay level; soft, punky areas tend to tear out when turned or planed, requiring sharp tools or chemical hardeners (stabilizing resin or thin CA glue).
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oil, CA glue (for stabilizing soft spots), shellac, or clear epoxy casting/stabilization followed by a protective topcoat.
Notable Features
Striking black zone lines created by competing fungal colonies (such as Xylaria polymorpha); spalted dust can cause respiratory irritation and requires proper safety gear.
