Spalted Maple (likely Sugar Maple or Silver Maple)
Acer saccharum or Acer saccarinum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain but heavily figured with spalting; characterized by dark, irregular 'zone lines' caused by fungal colonization which create a marbled appearance.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically light tan to reddish brown, while sapwood is pale creamy white. The spalting introduces black, brown, and gray lines and streaks. Color tends to darken slightly with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
950 to 1,450 lbf (Medium to Hard, depending on the specific maple species and degree of fungal decay/softness).
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly susceptible to rot (as spalting is the beginning of the decay process) and insect attack.
Common Uses
Turning blanks, decorative bowls, veneers, furniture accents, musical instruments (guitar tops), and small specialty wood crafts.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and parts of the Midwest.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $25.00 per board foot depending on the intensity and beauty of the spalting figure.
Wood Age Estimate
The sample appears to be modern, rough-milled stock, although the spalting process itself can take months or years to develop in a downed log; no significant oxidation or wear indicates great age.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in the CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available with FSC certification often possible.
Workability
Fair to Poor; the fungal decay that causes spalting results in 'punky' or soft spots that can tear out easily during planing or turning. Requires sharp tools and often benefits from wood stabilizer/hardener.
Notable Features
Distinctive black 'zone lines' created by fungi fighting for territory. The dust can be a respiratory irritant due to both wood dust and active fungal spores.
Finish Recommendations
Clear film-building finishes like lacquer or polyurethane are recommended to highlight the figure. A sanding sealer is often necessary to prevent uneven absorption in punky areas.
Identification Confidence
High; the black zone lines against a light-colored, diffuse-porous hardwood grain are the textbook diagnostic features of spalted maple.