Spalted Maple (Sugar Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but features prominent spalting (fungal discoloration) consisting of dark, irregular zone lines and mottled patterns; fine, even texture.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish-brown background; spalting creates high-contrast black and dark brown lines. Often becomes more amber-gold with age and exposure to UV.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly susceptible to rot and decay, which is the process that creates the decorative spalting lines.
Common Uses
Turning (bowls and vessels), decorative furniture accents, jewelry boxes, musical instruments (guitar tops), and custom cabinetry.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 – $25.00 per board foot, depending on the intensity of the spalting and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Modern cut; the fungal lines suggest the wood was harvested after beginning to decay but before structural collapse occurred.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Good overall, but spalted areas can be soft or "punky," requiring sharp tools or wood stabilizers to prevent tearout and crumbling during sanding.
Notable Features
Distinctive black zone lines caused by different fungi species competing for territory; dust may be a respiratory irritant or allergen due to residual fungal spores.
Finish Recommendations
Clear film-building finishes like polyurethane or lacquer are recommended to protect the delicate spalted areas; sanding sealer is often necessary to prevent uneven absorption.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic black zone lines and light-colored diffuse-porous grain are definitive hallmarks of spalted maple.