Spalted Maple (likely Sugar or Red Maple)
Acer saccharum (Sugar) or Acer rubrum (Red) • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but irregular near the spalting; contains distinct spalting (fungal zone lines) creating dark, winding patterns and marbled figures.
Color Description
Creamy white to off-white sapwood with patches of light tan heartwood; features prominent black/dark brown fungal zone lines (spalting). Exhibits a soft, satin-to-medium luster and may yellow slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
950 to 1,450 lbf (Medium to Hard classification)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; very susceptible to decay (the spalting itself is a stage of decay) and insect attack if not dried and sealed.
Common Uses
Turning (bowls/vessels), furniture accents, musical instrument components (guitar tops), veneer, and decorative craft items.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Calculated by the piece for turnings, but the lumber/blanks are typically $8.00 to $15.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the spalting.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent/modern turning; the oxidation is light and the surface shows crisp, modern machining with a clean, smooth finish typical of contemporary lathe work.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not CITES listed and classified on the IUCN Red List as species of Least Concern. Commonly available with FSC certification.
Workability
Generally easy to work with tools, though spalted areas can be "punky" or soft, requiring very sharp tools or stabilizers (CA glue/hardener) to prevent tearout. Machines and glues well.
Notable Features
Features distinct 'zone lines' created by fungi; light weight compared to unspalted hard maple; slight sweet scent when worked; fine, even texture.
Finish Recommendations
Penetrating oils (tung or linseed) or wiping varnish to highlight the figure; shellac is excellent for sealing 'punky' spots; clear polyurethane for durability on functional items.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of the creamy white substrate, fine pore structure, and characteristic black fungal zone lines is a diagnostic signature of Spalted Maple.