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Spalted Maple Slabs
Spalting is simply a fungal discoloration of wood, and can be found on a wide range of wood species and genera. It is found in wood that has begun initial stages of decay, and is then subsequently dried (preventing further decay). The partial decay, called spalting, can give the wood dark contrasting lines and streaks where fungus has begun to attack the wood. If the wood has been rescued from the spalting at the right time, the lumber should still be sound and usable, with little to no soft spots or rotten wood.
Length: Not specified
Thickness: Hit and miss to 15/16 inches
- Common Name(s): Spalted Maple, Black Line Maple
- Scientific Name: Not a distinct species of maple; spalting is a fungal discoloration caused by partially decayed wood
- Distribution: Primarily temperate regions in the Northern Hemisphere
- Tree Size: 65-100 ft (20-30 m) tall, 2-3 ft (0.6-1 m) trunk diameter
- Average Dried Weight: 30.2 to 44.0 lbs/ft³ (485 to 705 kg/m³) depending on species
- Janka Hardness: 700 to 1450 lbf (6450 N) depending on species
- Crushing Strength: Not specified
Heartwood: Varies with the species, but typically light to medium reddish-brown with dark streaks from the spalting.
Sapwood: Light colored, providing a good contrast for the spalting.
Grain: Generally straight but may be wavy as seen in these figured boards.
Texture: Fine, even texture with a good natural luster.
Rated as non-durable to perishable and susceptible to insect attack.
Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools though slightly more difficult than soft maple due to hard maple’s higher density. Maple has a tendency to burn when being machined with high-speed cutters such as in a router. Turns, glues, and finishes well though blotches can occur when staining; a pre-conditioner, gel stain, or toner may be necessary to get an even color.
- Furniture
- Veneer
- Musical instruments
- Specialty wood items
- Decorative pieces
Spalting is a fungal discoloration of wood that can be found in a wide range of species and genera. It occurs in wood that has begun the initial stages of decay and is then dried to prevent further decay. The process creates dark contrasting lines and streaks where the fungus has attacked the wood, giving each piece a unique and decorative appearance.
Note: Maple is a common lumber seen with spalting as the light-colored sapwood provides good contrast for the spalting. Some other temperate species where spalting is commonly seen include sycamore, hackberry, beech, birch, and hickory, as well as tropical species such as tamarind and mango.