Spalted Maple (likely Sugar Maple or Silver Maple)
Acer saccharum or Acer saccharinum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with heavy spalting; presence of black zone lines (fungal boundaries) creates a marbled, abstract figure against the grain.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish-brown base color; high contrast due to dark brown and black fungal line patterns. Shows moderate natural luster where not decayed.
Hardness Rating
700 to 1,450 lbf (Soft to Hard depending on species and degree of fungal softening/punky areas)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; fungal activity already present. Perishable regarding ground contact and rot resistance.
Common Uses
Turning (bowls), decorative veneers, high-end furniture accents, musical instrument tops (electric guitars), and small specialty items.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and Eastern United States
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $25.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the spalt figure and structural integrity.
Wood Age Estimate
Relatively recent harvest (1-5 years) with active or stabilized fungal colonization; shows fresh rough-milled surfaces.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed. FSC certification common for maples.
Workability
Challenging; spalting creates varying densities (punky vs. hard spots). Requires very sharp tools to prevent tearout. Glues and finishes well but may absorb finish unevenly.
Notable Features
Features distinct 'zone lines' caused by ascomycete fungi; wood dust from spalted material should not be inhaled due to potential fungal spores and allergens.
Finish Recommendations
Film-building finishes like clear lacquer or polyurethane to stabilize the surface; sanding sealer or wood hardener is often required for softer areas.
Identification Confidence
High; the characteristic black zone lines against a pale, diffuse-porous hardwood background are definitive indicators of spalted maple.