Spalted Maple (Sugar Maple / Red Maple)
Acer saccharum / Acer rubrum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 950 - 1,450 lbf (Medium to Hard, though spalted softened areas may test lower)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if untreated or exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight to slightly irregular grain with soft wavy figure, showing prominent spalting zone lines and localized decay marbling.
Color & Appearance
Pale creamy white to light reddish-tan sapwood with contrasty dark brown and black fungal zone lines, gray-brown mineral streak, and soft natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
950 - 1,450 lbf (Medium to Hard, though spalted softened areas may test lower)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if untreated or exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $9.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and structural soundness.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled or recently surfaced modern lumber sample (under 5 years old), harvested from a tree aged roughly 40-80 years.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and non-threatened across North America; readily accessible FSC-certified sources.
Common Uses
Woodturning (bowls, platters), decorative table tops, custom cabinetry, electric guitar tops, veneer, and specialty crafts.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Generally works well, though soft spalted zones can suffer tearout; sharp tools are essential, and soft areas may require hardeners or CA glue before final cuts.
Finish Recommendations
Pre-seal soft spalted areas with thin cyanoacrylate or sanding sealer; topcoat with clear wipe-on polyurethane, lacquer, or hard-wax oil to highlight dark contrast lines.
Notable Features
Distinct black zone lines created by fungal colonization (spalting); dust from spalted wood can act as a respiratory irritant.
