Spalted Maple
Spalted Maple (Acer spp.)
Common Name: Spalted Maple, Spalted Sugar Maple, Spalted Red Maple
Distribution: Eastern North America
Color/Appearance:
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.
Janka Hardness: 950 lbf
Density: 3.16 lb./b.f.
Shrinkage: 1
Radial (thickness): 4.8%
Tangential (width): 9.9%,
Volumetric (total): 14.7%,
T/R Ratio (width to depth): 1.9
Allergies/Toxicity: 1 Reported to cause skin irritation, runny nose and asthma-like respiratory effects
Sustainability: CITES: no, IUCN: no
Common Uses: Veneer, musical instruments, turned objects and other small specialty wood items
