Spalted Maple (specifically likely Sugar Maple or Red Maple)
Acer saccharum / Acer rubrum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf to 1450 lbf depending on specific maple species (Medium to Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable. The fungal activity that creates the spalting process actually degrades the cellulose and lignin, making the wood softer and more susceptible to further rot if exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular grain with a prominent spalted figure, displaying characteristic zone lines (pseudosclerotial plates) created by fungal colonization.
Color & Appearance
Pale creamy white to light golden-brown background with striking black, dark brown, and grey contrasting lines and patches caused by fungal decay. Luster is medium; colors tend to amber slightly with age and light exposure.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf to 1450 lbf depending on specific maple species (Medium to Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable. The fungal activity that creates the spalting process actually degrades the cellulose and lignin, making the wood softer and more susceptible to further rot if exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $6.00 to $12.00+ per board foot depending on the intensity and uniqueness of the spalted figure.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently harvested to a few years old, based on the retained moisture, rough-cut surface, and lack of heavy finishing or deep oxidation.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices or the IUCN Red List. Widely abundant and generally considered sustainable, though spalted wood is a naturally occurring localized phenomenon rather than a distinct species grade.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, decorative boxes, bowl turning, veneer, musical instruments (such as electric guitar tops), and accent panels.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Can be challenging due to the uneven density caused by fungal decay. Softer, decayed areas can tear out easily during planing or routing if sharp tools are not used. Sands well, but care must be taken not to sand away the softer decayed areas faster than the harder wood.
Finish Recommendations
Wipe-on poly, shellac, or hardening oils (like Danish oil) work exceptionally well to pop the contrast of the black zone lines and chatoyance of the maple background. Requires careful sanding preparation to manage varying wood densities.
Notable Features
The striking dark zone lines are created by competing fungi in the wood. Spatled wood can sometimes carry fungal spores that may irritate sensitive respiratory systems during sanding.
