Spalted Maple
Acer saccharinum and Acer macrophyllum (Primarily)
Spalted Maple is defined by dramatic black fungal zone lines and contrasting decay patterns. It requires careful stabilization and sharp tools to prevent tear-out in softer, punky areas.
Janka
700-900 lbf
Price Tier
$$$
Dent Risk
Overview
Spalted maple is the result of a “perfect storm” of fungal decay that creates iconic black zone lines and varied coloration. Because the fungus consumes the wood’s structure, density can vary wildly between dark lines and pale, “punky” areas. It requires a patient hand and often benefits from stabilizing resins or hardening finishes to maintain a flat surface. This isn’t a structural wood; it is a visual prize that turns ordinary maple into a high-contrast natural abstract.
Key takeaways
- Dramatically colored by fungal decay lines.
- Density varies between hard and soft.
- Often requires stabilization or hardening finishes.
At a Glance
Hardness & Heft
Janka: 700-900 lbf
Dry weight: 25-33 lbs/ft³ (400-529 kg/m³)
Color & Figure
Color: Pale
Grain: Usually straight
Figure: High-contrast black zone lines
Stability & Movement
Movement: Medium
Drying: Air dry slowly; excessive kiln heat can darken lines.
Workability
Plays nice with
- Stabilization resins
- High-build film finishes
- Sharp scrapers
Fights you on
- Tearout in punky areas
- Brittle edges during machining
- Uneven finish absorption
Finishing
- Surface Prep: Card scraper; sand only if stabilized.
- Blotch Risk: High
- Pores: Tight
Best Uses
Great for
- Decorative Bowls
- Jewelry Boxes
- Inlay Work
Avoid for
- Structural Joinery
- Cutting Boards
- Outdoor Furniture
Where it comes from
Northern USA Great Lakes region and Canada
Buying notes
Buy kiln-dried stock to halt fungal growth; ensure the board is dense enough to hold a screw.
- Sold As: Dimensional lumber, turning blanks, and thin craft boards
- Look For: Sharp, high-contrast zone lines and minimal "punky" or crumbling wood fibers.
What to Watch Out For
- Hidden Soft Spots
- Surface Checks
- Moisture Pockets
Practical Alternatives
- Ambrosia Maple
- Spalted Beech
- Marblewood
Shop Notes / Deeper Dive
Spalted maple is a visual prize but a structural gamble. Because the black lines are the result of fungal decay, you will often find a mix of hard and soft fibers in a single board. Sharp tools are non-negotiable here; dull blades will crush the soft “punky” areas rather than cutting them. It’s a fantastic choice for decorative panels or accent pieces, but always stabilize soft spots with CA glue or resin before you hit them with a sander to prevent deep gouges.
Like what you see?
While I occasionally work with some of these species, availability varies widely. If you’re researching woods for a custom project, feel free to reach out.
Reference Notes: Wood grain and color can vary significantly within a species depending on growing conditions, age, and cut orientation. Images on this page are provided as general reference examples and may not represent every possible variation of the species. Geographic distribution maps illustrate typical native or commonly cultivated ranges and may not reflect every region where the species occurs today.
Additional technical data and botanical information may be referenced from sources such as the USDA Forest Products Laboratory Wood Handbook.