Spalted Sugar Maple
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Generally straight but irregular and wavy due to the bowl turning process; features prominent spalting (black zone lines) and some light curl/figure.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically a creamy light tan to grayish-brown, showing darker brown streaks and dramatic black fungal lines (spalting); finishes to a warm amber luster.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay (the spalting itself is a stage of fungal decay) and has poor insect resistance.
Common Uses
Turning (bowls and vases), decorative veneer, musical instruments, fine furniture, and specialty craft items.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America (United States and Canada)
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $25.00 per board foot for high-quality spalted blanks
Wood Age Estimate
The bowl appears recently crafted and finished; the raw timber likely came from a tree 40-80 years old before harvesting.
Sustainability Status
Not listed in CITES Appendices or on the IUCN Red List; widely available and sustainable.
Workability
Excellent for turning; can be difficult to plane due to grain variations and soft spots in spalted areas; glues and finishes very well.
Notable Features
Distinctive black 'zone lines' created by fungi; spalting results in varied density throughout the piece; odorless; dust can be an irritant/allergen.
Finish Recommendations
Film-building finishes like lacquer or polyurethane to stabilize spalted areas, or food-safe mineral oil/beeswax if intended for kitchen use.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of tight grain structure, light base color, and classic black-line spalting is characteristic of Acer saccharum.