Spalted Maple
Acer saccharum (Hard) or Acer rubrum (Soft) • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight to irregular with heavy spalting; contains distinct black zone lines caused by fungal activity and some mineral streaks
Color Description
Pale blonde to light brown cream heartwood with dark brown and black fungal line patterns; exhibits low luster due to decay, but can show chatoyance when finished
Hardness Rating
950 to 1,450 lbf (Medium to Hard depending on degree of fiber degradation from spalting)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insects, as the spalting process itself is an early stage of decay
Common Uses
Turned bowls, electric guitar tops, furniture accents, decorative veneers, and specialty craft items
Geographic Origin
North America (Eastern United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $18.00 per board foot for high-figure spalted pieces
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly cut log with visible active fungal decay and bark attached; material likely harvested within the last 1-2 years
Sustainability Status
Extremely stable; not CITES listed and widely available as an IUCN least concern species
Workability
Challenging; spalting creates soft 'punky' spots that may tear out during machining; sharp tools and stabilizers like CA glue or wood hardener are often required
Notable Features
Features black zone lines or 'scribbling' caused by competing fungi; if inhaled, dust can be an irritant or allergen due to active fungal spores
Finish Recommendations
Requires sealing with dewaxed shellac or wood hardener to stabilize punky areas; looks best with oil-based finishes or high-gloss lacquers to highlight figure
Identification Confidence
High; the distinctive black zone lines against a pale, fine-diffuse porous background are hallmark characteristics of spalted maple