Spalted Maple
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) or Acer rubrum (Red Maple) • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and wild with localized cathedral peaks, wavy sections, and significant spalting (black zone lines caused by fungal decay) and knot inclusions.
Color Description
Pale cream to light tan sapwood with streaks of grey and dark brown. Displays dark black 'spalt' lines. Color will warm to a golden-yellow hue over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
950 to 1,450 lbf (Medium to Hard, though spalting can create soft 'punky' spots)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; low resistance to decay and insects (the spalting itself is a form of early-stage fungal decay).
Common Uses
Live-edge tabletops, decorative bowls, turning, fine furniture accents, veneer, and musical instruments (electric guitar tops).
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $25.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the figure and slab size.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or kiln-dried slab, likely 1-3 years since harvest based on the lack of deep oxidation or wear.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List. FSC certification is widely available.
Workability
Generally good, but the transition between hard wood and soft spalted areas can cause uneven planing. Sharp tools are required to prevent tearout in figured areas.
Notable Features
Features distinct black zone lines caused by fungi. Dust can be an allergen or respiratory irritant; mask use is highly recommended when sanding.
Finish Recommendations
Clear oils (Tung or Danish) to pop the figure, or film finishes like polyurethane to stabilize softer spalted areas. Seal with shellac to prevent bleeding of figure into some topcoats.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of light-colored wood, characteristic black zone lines (spalting), and knot structure is definitive for Maple.