Spalted Beech
Fagus sylvatica • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight with fine, even texture; features distinct spalt lines (black or reddish-brown zone lines caused by fungal activity)
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a pale cream or light tan, sometimes with a pinkish hue. The spalted sections show contrasting dark lines and grayish streaks. Luster is medium and the wood tends to darken slightly over time.
Hardness Rating
1,300 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Perishable; low resistance to rot and insect attack, especially after the spalting process has begun.
Common Uses
Furniture, veneer, flooring, turned objects, bowls, and decorative cabinetry where the unique spalted figure is desired.
Geographic Origin
Europe (European Beech) and North America (American Beech variant)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot (Premium due to spalted figure)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern (likely 1-5 years post-processing), showing fresh sanding/planing marks and active spalt coloration.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Generally good, though spalted areas can be soft or "punky," requiring sharp tools to avoid tearout. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Features unique "zone lines" caused by fungi. No distinctive scent. Caution advised with dust as fungal spores can be an irritant.
Finish Recommendations
Clear coats like polyurethane or lacquer are recommended to preserve the color; sanding sealer is often necessary for soft spalted areas.
Identification Confidence
High; the tight grain texture combined with the characteristic delicate, irregular spalt lines is highly diagnostic of Beech.