Likely Ambrosia maple (spalted/ambrosia hard maple); alternatives include silver maple or red maple.
Most likely Acer saccharum; possibly Acer rubrum or Acer saccharinum. · Hardwood; domestic North American.
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood; domestic North American.
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America, especially the Great Lakes and northeastern United States/Canada.
- Hardness
- About 1,450 lbf Janka for sugar maple—Hard; softer if silver or red maple.
- Durability
- Slightly Durable; untreated maple has limited resistance to decay, insects, and weathering.
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Grain Pattern
Mostly straight, fine grain with occasional cathedral-like flatsawn figure. Numerous dark ambrosia streaks and insect galleries, plus small knots and localized spalting.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to light tan sapwood with gray-brown and blue-gray streaking; moderate natural luster. It generally yellows and deepens slightly with light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
About 1,450 lbf Janka for sugar maple—Hard; softer if silver or red maple.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable; untreated maple has limited resistance to decay, insects, and weathering.
Value & Age
Approximately $8–20 per board foot for attractive ambrosia maple, varying substantially by thickness, dryness, and figure.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The board appears recently milled or lightly weathered; visible patina cannot reliably establish tree or board age.
Common Uses
Furniture, countertops, cabinetry, flooring, wall panels, turned work, and decorative slab work.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially the Great Lakes and northeastern United States/Canada.
Workability
Machines and sands well, though knots, galleries, and irregular spalting may cause tear-out or edge chipping. Pre-drilling is useful; gluing is generally straightforward.
Finish Recommendations
Use a penetrating oil, hardwax oil, lacquer, or clear polyurethane after thorough sanding and dust removal. A washcoat or sanding sealer can reduce uneven absorption.
Notable Features
Dark streaks are characteristic of ambrosia beetle damage and associated staining fungi; the holes are decorative but reduce structural uniformity.
