Most likely spalted silver maple; alternatives include red maple or another soft maple.
Acer saccharinum (most likely); possibly Acer rubrum. · Hardwood; domestic North American species.
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood; domestic North American species.
- Origin
- Eastern and central North America, especially floodplains and moist lowlands.
- Hardness
- Silver maple: about 750 lbf, classified Soft; red maple: about 950 lbf, Medium.
- Durability
- Slightly Durable; poor natural resistance to decay and insects, especially in sapwood.
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Grain Pattern
Mostly straight to mildly wavy, diffuse-porous grain with broad, subtle growth bands; the lower piece has dramatic spalting and bark inclusion rather than figured grain.
Color & Appearance
Pale cream to yellow-tan wood with darker growth lines; the lower piece has black, gray, and brown zone lines and oxidized bark. Maple generally yellows slightly with age and light.
Hardness (Janka)
Silver maple: about 750 lbf, classified Soft; red maple: about 950 lbf, Medium.
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly Durable; poor natural resistance to decay and insects, especially in sapwood.
Value & Age
Approximately $4–12 per board foot for ordinary maple; $12–30+ for attractive stabilized spalted slabs, varying by size and grade.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- The wood’s age cannot be determined visually; darkening and spalting indicate environmental exposure or fungal activity, not necessarily old age.
Common Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, boxes, flooring, turnings, veneer, pallets, and decorative live-edge or spalted work.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and central North America, especially floodplains and moist lowlands.
Workability
Cuts, glues, sands, and finishes readily, though soft maple can dent and spalted areas may crumble or tear. Sharp tools and stabilization are advisable.
Finish Recommendations
Stabilize fragile spalted zones with thin or penetrating epoxy, then sand carefully; use shellac, lacquer, oil, or polyurethane after sealing.
Notable Features
The lower section shows strong spalting, bark inclusions, and weathered live-edge character; figure and contrast are the primary value features.
