Sugar Maple (Spalted)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Circular/End-grain pattern with heavy spalting. Displays tight growth rings and characteristic black winding zone lines caused by fungal coloration.
Color Description
Light creamy tan to off-white sapwood with dramatic dark brown to black irregular lines (spalting). Shows typical pale color of maple but with significant oxidation and fungal staining.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and decay (spalting itself is a stage of decay)
Common Uses
Turned bowls, veneer, high-end furniture accents, musical instruments, and decorative butcher blocks.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 - $25.00 per board foot (Highly variable due to aesthetic appeal of the spalting)
Wood Age Estimate
Modern sample (5-15 years post-harvest) showing advanced fungal colonization and oxidation consistent with air-drying in a damp environment.
Sustainability Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed.
Workability
Good workability with machines, though spalted areas are softer (punky) and prone to tearout. High silica/calcium content can dull cutters.
Notable Features
Features black 'zone lines' created by fungi to protect their territory. The wood may contain fungal spores that require respiratory protection during sanding.
Finish Recommendations
Stabilizing resin or thin cyanoacrylate for punky areas; clear film finishes like lacquer or polyurethane to highlight the spalting without darkening too much.
Identification Confidence
High; the end-grain ring structure combined with the distinct black zone lines and creamy base color are classic indicators of spalted Acer saccharum.