Spalted Beech

Fagus sylvatica (European Beech) or Fagus grandifolia (American Beech) • Hardwood

Straight, fine-textured grain, prominently featuring spalted figure with zone lines and dark fungal discoloration

Pale cream to light brown body; spalted areas show dark black, grey, and deep brown irregular streaks; tends to yellow slightly with age

1,300 lbf (Hard)

Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot (the spalting process itself is a form of early decay)

Common Uses

Ornamental furniture, turned bowls, decorative veneers, cabinetry, and specialty woodworking projects

Europe (European Beech) or Eastern North America (American Beech)

$6.00 - $12.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the spalting figure

Recently milled from dead or dying timber; the spalting indicates it was harvested shortly after fungal colonization in the log

Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and harvested sustainably in most regions

Fairly easy to work with tools, though spalted areas can be soft or "punky," requiring sharp blades or stabilizers to prevent tearout

Distinctive black zone lines produced by fungi; no characteristic scent; sawdust can be a respiratory irritant

Clear coat finishes like polyurethane or lacquer are best to preserve the color contrast; sanding sealer is often needed for soft spalted areas

High; the tight grain and diffuse pores combined with the characteristic black-line spalting and large checks are classic indicators of Beech

Identified on 5/24/2026