Spalted Maple

Spalted maple

Spalted Maple is technically not a specific species of Maple, but rather a type of Maple that has been allowed to begin initial stages of decay. The partial decay, called spalting, gives the wood dark contrasting lines and streaks where fungus has begun to attack the wood.

Is spalted maple a good wood?

Spalted maple is extremely desirable. It's hard to find for larger slabs. You typically only see it on the ends and not throughout the entire slab like you would with ambrosia maple.

Is spalted maple strong?

Strong, stiff, hard and more dense than all of the other species of Maple commercially available in lumber form. Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools.

How rare is spalted maple?

Maple is a common lumber seen with spalting, as the light colored sapwood provides good contrast for the spalting.

Is spalted wood rare?

Spalted Maple is rare and each piece is visually distinct and unique. Spalting occurs in other species such as Beech, Birch, Poplar and some imported species like tamarind. Maple is the most popular and preferred species since its wide, white sapwood provides a blank canvas for the fungi to demonstrate their magic.

How long does it take for wood to become spalted?

How long does spalting take? Each different fungus takes a different amount of time to colonize different wood species. There is no one answer for this, but, in general, if you are doing things correctly, it should take about 12 weeks or less.

What are the disadvantages of maple wood?

The cons of maple flooring

Scratches easily – Whilst it is extremely hardwearing maple is prone to scratching.
Discolours over time – As with any solid wood, with constant exposure to light it will yellow over time.

Does spalting weaken wood?

Although spalted wood is highly prized and sought-after by woodworkers, designers and architects, spalting is a form of decay and poses potential risks to the wood's structural integrity, affecting weight and strength in particular.

What is the best finish for spalted maple?

We recommend applying lacquer or water-based varnish, two finishes that add little color to wood. However, if you prefer a warmer, more amber look, you can use oil-based varnish or shellac. You might choose polyurethane for items that will receive a lot of use.

Is spalted maple rotten?

Spalted maple is just ordinary maple that's partly rotten. After the wood is cut, different colonies of stain, mold and decay fungi attack it and establish boundaries to preserve their turf.

Can you Spalt your own wood?

It occurs naturally in dead wood, or you can create it yourself. Choice woods for spalting are those prone to rotting, such as poplar, maple, and birch. Under ideal conditions, you can make spalted wood in a couple of months, though results will vary depending on fungal and wood species and the climate in your area.

Can any wood be spalted?

Both hardwoods (deciduous) and softwoods (coniferous) can spalt, but zone lines and white rot are more commonly found on hardwoods due to enzymatic differences in white rotting fungi.

What is the rarest timber in the world?

African Blackwood It is considered as the most expensive wood in the world because not only it is challenging to work with hand or machine tools, its trees are already near-threatened.

What is the world's rarest wood?

Agarwood ($10,000/kg) – rarest wood types Agarwood, also known as Aquilaria malaccensis, is a tree native to the rainforests of southeast Asia. Some people call it the “wood of the Gods” because of its unique properties. It's a fragrant, dark, resinous wood mainly used in incense, perfumes, and small carvings.

How do you encourage wood to Spalt?

Bag it or bin it The ideal conditions for spalting are darkness with around 80% humidity and 80ºF temperature. To achieve these conditions, you can place the wood in either a plastic bag (but don't seal it, because the fungi require oxygen) or a plastic storage bin.

How long does it take maple to Spalt?

The spalting process usually takes several weeks. Begin checking after six weeks. If you like the coloration, remove the wood from your bag or container. If not, allow the wood to spalt for another two weeks and then check again.

Where does spalted maple grow?

“Spalting can occur in any of the blonder woods like poplar, beech, birch and basswood, but they rot too quickly so as a woodworker you don't have the time to actually appreciate the beauty of those black lines.

Where is spalted maple found?

Spalted maple can be found in either hard maple or soft maple – the spalt will occur in either species. While spalted maple occurs naturally in the woods from airborne fungus, it can also be created by additionally introducing the fungus into the wood.

What causes spalting in maple?

Spalted Maple Wood Spalting occurs when white-rot decay fungi takes up residence in a tree. As the fungi spreads out and meets with other patches of fungi, the unique “zone lines” form. Spalted maple may have a rainbow of colors through it because of this, though black, gray, and pink are the most common.

Can you use spalted wood for cutting boards?

The dark lines prized in spalted wood are caused by white rot fungus. What the fungus adds in beauty, however, it takes away in hardness, leaving behind soft, punky areas. So right away we'd advise against using it for cutting boards.