Spalted Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but featured with irregular spalt lines (zone lines) caused by fungi. Shows characteristic flat-sawn cathedral patterns and some wavy figure near the spalting areas.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood with contrasting black and dark brown fungal lines. The wood tends to yellow with age and UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to rot if not treated, and the spalting process itself is a form of incipient decay that reduces structural integrity.
Common Uses
Decorative furniture, turned bowls, musical instruments (electric guitar tops), cabinetry, veneer, and specialty crafts.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $20.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the spalting and board width.
Wood Age Estimate
The board appears recently milled from older stock or reclaimed timber; the spalting indicates the log sat in a damp environment for 1-3 years before processing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Generally abundant and sustainable.
Workability
Fairly easy to work, though fungal softened areas (punky wood) can cause tearout. Sharp tools are required to prevent crushing the fibers in soft zones. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Distinctive black 'zone lines' created by competing fungi. Fungal dust can be a respiratory irritant, so a mask is recommended during sanding.
Finish Recommendations
Clear film-forming finishes like polyurethane or lacquer are best to 'lock in' the soft fibers. Stabilizing resins are often used for highly decayed sections.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of light-colored hardwood grain and the characteristic black zone lines is diagnostic of spalted maple.