Spalted Maple
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) or Acer rubrum (Red Maple) • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Naturally straight or slightly wavy grain, heavily modified by spalding which creates distinctive black 'zone lines' caused by fungal interaction. The texture is fine and even.
Color Description
Heartwood and sapwood are typically creamy white to light reddish brown, but the spalding introduces irregular patches of gray, tan, and dark black lines. Color usually yellows slightly with age.
Hardness Rating
700 to 1,450 lbf (Soft to Hard, depending on host species and level of decay)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; the spalding process is an early stage of decay, making it susceptible to rot if not dried and sealed.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (especially guitar tops), fine furniture accents, turned bowls, knife handles, veneers, and decorative boxes.
Geographic Origin
Temperate regions of North America, primarily the Northern United States and Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$10.00 to $25.00 per board foot, depending on the intensity of the spalding pattern and the stability of the wood.
Wood Age Estimate
Indeterminate from image; however, the presence of distinct spalding indicates the wood was harvested from a log that sat in damp conditions long enough for fungal colonization to occur.
Sustainability Status
Generally sustainable and not CITES listed. Maple is abundant, though high-quality spalted samples are specialized finds.
Workability
Fair to good, but can be challenging. The spalted areas (partially decayed) are much softer than the surrounding wood, which can lead to 'punky' spots that tear out during planing or sanding.
Notable Features
Features dramatic black zone lines and variegated colors. Spalted wood requires careful handling and dust protection as the fungi spores can be respiratory irritants.
Finish Recommendations
Requires a stabilizing finish. A thin cyanoacrylate (CA) glue or wood hardener is often used on punky areas. Clear topcoats like polyurethane or lacquer best preserve the high-contrast lines.
Identification Confidence
High; the black irregular zone lines against a light-colored, fine-grained substrate are definitive diagnostic features for spalted maple.