Spalted Maple
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) or Acer rubrum (Red Maple) • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but heavily figured with spalting; characterized by dark, winding zone lines caused by fungal activity, creating random, abstract patterns amidst a primarily straight-grained structure.
Color Description
Pale cream to light brown body with striking black or dark brown line patterns (zone lines). Over time, the spalting contrast may slightly soften as the lighter wood ambers with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
700 to 1,450 lbf (Soft to Hard); spalting process often creates 'punky' or soft areas within the wood.
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly susceptible to rot if moisture is present, as the spalting itself is a form of early-stage fungal decay.
Common Uses
Ornamental furniture, turned bowls, decorative veneers, musical instruments (guitar tops), and small specialty craft items.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Highly variable, typically $10.00 to $25.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut to 1 year; the sharpness of the fungal lines and lack of significant surface oxidation suggests the sample is relatively recent or has been kept in a dry storage environment.
Sustainability Status
Sustainable; Maple is abundant and not CITES listed. However, spalted pieces are unique 'accidents' of nature rather than a plantation crop.
Workability
Difficult due to varying densities; soft 'punky' areas may tear out easily while harder areas plane well. Sharp tools are essential. Dust may be an irritant due to fungal spores.
Notable Features
Distinctive black zone lines; carries potential health risks from fungal spores during machining; excellent aesthetic appeal for artistic woodworking.
Finish Recommendations
Stabilizing resins or wood hardeners are often needed for soft spots; high-gloss finishes like lacquer or polyurethane help the chatoyance and grain pop; avoid water-based finishes which can re-activate fungal staining.
Identification Confidence
High; the black zone lines against a pale, fine-textured substrate are definitive characteristics of spalted Maple.