Spalted Maple (Sugar Maple or Bigleaf Maple)
Acer saccharum or Acer macrophyllum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- North America (Eastern North America for Sugar Maple, Pacific Coast for Bigleaf Maple)
- Hardness
- 950 lbf to 1450 lbf (Medium to Hard)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack once spalted.
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Irregular and wavy grain with prominent spalted figure, showing dark zone lines created by fungi.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light golden-tan background contrasted with dark brown to black streaks, lines, and patches caused by fungal decay. Moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf to 1450 lbf (Medium to Hard)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack once spalted.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10 to $25 per board foot for figured/spalted stock, significantly higher per piece when sold as specialized turning blanks.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Estimated to be relatively modern (less than 10-15 years), finished into an turned object like a pen.
- Sustainability Status
- Not listed on CITES appendices, generally considered of least concern by the IUCN. Readily available from sustainable domestic sources.
Common Uses
Turning (pens, bowls, small decorative items), fine cabinetry, musical instruments, veneer, and specialty woodworking.
Geographic Origin
North America (Eastern North America for Sugar Maple, Pacific Coast for Bigleaf Maple)
Workability
Can be challenging due to differing densities within spalted areas; softer, fungal-decayed areas can tear out easily during turning or planing. Takes glues and finishes well once stabilized.
Finish Recommendations
Cyanoacrylate (CA) glue finish (very popular for pen turning), polyurethane, or shellac/wax combinations to highlight chatoyance and protect the wood.
Notable Features
Spalting introduces unique black zone lines and color variations that make each piece entirely one-of-a-kind. Softened punky areas sometimes require hardening agents.
