Spalted Maple
Acer saccharum (Hard Maple) or Acer saccharinum (Soft Maple) • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain, but primarily characterized by 'spalting'—dark, irregular, winding lines and streaks caused by initial stages of fungal decay. Visible flat-sawn cathedral patterns are muted by the fungal figure.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood with pale sapwood. The defining feature is the black 'zone lines' (spalting) that provide high contrast. Luster is generally low to medium; the wood may yellow or amber slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
700 to 1,450 lbf (Soft to Hard depending on species and degree of fungal decay/softening)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; low resistance to rot and decay (the wood is currently undergoing a controlled decay process). Highly susceptible to insect attack.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (guitar tops), turning (bowls and pens), decorative veneer, jewelry boxes, and specialty furniture accents.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America and parts of Europe.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $25.00 per board foot depending on the intensity and stability of the spalting.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be modern, kiln-dried stock, showing clear industrial saw marks at the top end and minimal atmospheric oxidation.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available with FSC options.
Workability
Generally easy to work, but 'punky' or soft spots caused by the fungus can lead to tea-rot or fuzzy surfaces during planing. Requires sharp tools and sometimes a stabilizer or CA glue to harden soft areas.
Notable Features
Features distinct black lines (zone lines) created by fungi as they erect barriers to protect their resources. It lacks a strong scent and is prized for its unique aesthetic over structural strength.
Finish Recommendations
Film-building finishes like clear lacquer or polyurethane are recommended to seal the porous fungal areas. Sanding sealer is often necessary to prevent uneven absorption.
Identification Confidence
High. The distinctive black zone lines against a light-colored, fine-grained hardwood background are characteristic of spalted maple, commonly used for project blanks like this one.