Spalted Maple
Acer saccharum (Sugar Maple) or Acer rubrum (Red Maple) • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly irregular and figured with heavy spalting; contains distinctive black 'zone lines' caused by fungal colonisation. Subtle curly or wavy figure is visible beneath the spalting on the bowl's exterior.
Color Description
Heartwood is typically light tan to golden brown, while sapwood is pale creamy white. The fungal decay has introduced dark black/brown lines and patches of grayish discoloration. It shows a high luster under finish.
Hardness Rating
700 to 1,450 lbf (Soft to Hard); spalting significantly softens the wood structure in decayed areas.
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to rot and insect attack. The spalting process itself is a form of early-stage decay that has been halted by drying.
Common Uses
Woodturning (bowls, vessels), decorative boxes, musical instrument tops, high-end veneers, and specialty artisanal furniture.
Geographic Origin
Temperate regions of North America, primarily the Northern United States and Canada.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$15.00 - $30.00 per board foot depending on the intensity of the spalting and figure.
Wood Age Estimate
5 to 10 years for the object itself; the wood probably spent 1-2 years in a damp environment to achieve this level of spalting prior to being turned.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; Maple is abundant. Not CITES listed and generally Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
Workability
Challenging due to varying density; 'punky' or soft decayed areas are prone to tearout during turning. Requires very sharp tools and often benefits from wood hardeners or stabilizers.
Notable Features
The black zone lines are unique fungal signatures. Spalted dust can be an allergen or respiratory irritant; use of a mask is essential during sanding.
Finish Recommendations
High-gloss film finishes like lacquer or polyurethane help highlight the chatoyance and seal the porous spalted areas. Sanding sealer is recommended first.
Identification Confidence
High; the black zone lines combined with the base color and diffuse-porous grain structure are classic identifiers for spalted maple.