Most likely spalted silver maple; alternatives include spalted red maple or beech.
Acer saccharinum (likely); Acer rubrum or Fagus grandifolia are alternatives. · Hardwood; domestic North American, figured/spalted slab.
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood; domestic North American, figured/spalted slab.
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America, especially floodplains and wet lowlands.
- Hardness
- About 750 lbf Janka (Soft, under 850); silver maple is relatively soft for a hardwood.
- Durability
- Slightly Durable; untreated maple has limited resistance to decay, insects, and weathering, while spalting indicates prior fungal activity.
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Grain Pattern
Mostly diffuse-porous, irregular and locally curly or wavy grain, with prominent spalting lines, knots, inclusions, and large end-grain checking; likely live-edge or heavily irregular-sawn.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to light tan sapwood/heartwood with gray-brown oxidation and dark fungal zone lines. Exposure will gradually deepen the tan coloration; subdued luster, little consistent chatoyance.
Hardness (Janka)
About 750 lbf Janka (Soft, under 850); silver maple is relatively soft for a hardwood.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable; untreated maple has limited resistance to decay, insects, and weathering, while spalting indicates prior fungal activity.
Value & Age
Approximately $10–$30 per board foot for a usable spalted slab; heavily cracked or unstable material may be worth less.
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’s age cannot be determined from the image; visible checking, oxidation, and spalting indicate drying and aging, not necessarily old-growth wood.
Common Uses
Furniture and live-edge tables, shelves, cabinetry accents, turning, carving, and decorative panels; not ideal for exposed outdoor use.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially floodplains and wet lowlands.
Workability
Generally easy to cut, route, sand, glue, and finish, but spalting, voids, checks, and irregular grain can cause tear-out and require stabilization.
Finish Recommendations
Dry thoroughly, stabilize loose areas, fill voids with epoxy if desired, then use sanding sealer followed by oil, hardwax oil, lacquer, or polyurethane.
Notable Features
Distinctive black spalting lines, bark inclusions, knots, voids, and natural live-edge character; likely requires resin or other stabilization for structural integrity.
