What factors contribute to the creation of spaltings distinct appearance?
Spalted wood refers to wood which has been exposed to certain fungi and bacteria over a period of time. This process causes discoloration and produces dark lines or streaks in the grain of the wood.
What species exhibit spalting?
Spalted Maple is a one-of-a-kind wood with a distinctive grain. As well as occurring in Maple, Spalting can be found in other species, including Beech, Birch, and Poplar. It is clear that all wood is subject to decay, and as such, has the potential to spalt. However, Maple remains the most popular and sought-after wood for Spalting, which is a result of its wide, white sapwood, that creates an ideal ‘canvas’ for the fungi to work its magic.
What is the difference between ambrosia and spalting?
As stated before, Spalting is a phenomenon exhibited by certain wood species where, due to fungal colonization, the wood develops unique characteristics and colorations. However, some people sometimes confuse this with spalting, which can also cause a beautiful unique look. Ambrosia wood is a type of wood that is created when ambrosia beetles infest a living tree and create a pattern of marbled stains. It is usually identified by its beautiful grain and is sought after for its unique aesthetic qualities, much like spalted woods. In summary, spalting is a type of fungus, while ambrosia is a species of beetle, and the end result of both is a stunning and a one-of-a-kind aesthetic for wood.
Where can you find spalted wood?
Here at Berkshire Products, of course! Berkshire Products is pleased to offer customers a broad range of Spalted Maple and Spalted Beech products. We invite customers to take a look at our website selections found under “Categories” or visit us in-person to experience our products firsthand.
Spalted wood refers to wood which has been exposed to certain fungi and bacteria over a period of time. This process causes discoloration and produces dark lines or streaks in the grain of the wood. What species exhibit spalting? Spalted Maple is a one-of-a-kind wood with a distinctive grain.
Spalting is any form of wood coloration caused by fungi. Although primarily found in dead trees, spalting can also occur in living trees under stress. Although spalting can cause weight loss and strength loss in the wood, the unique coloration and patterns of spalted wood are sought by woodworkers.
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. Avoid applying oil, such as boiled linseed oil.
Because the grain rises as the wood dries, sanding is most efficient after the wood has dried. Controlled sanding. Some sections of spalted wood are softer than others, so it is better to use foam sanding pads on a drill press rather than sanding the work while it is on the lathe.
Spalted maple can be found for as little as $4.25/board foot. Small spalted (stabilized) turning blanks sell for around $5. The level of spalting impacts price. A highly spalted 2 × 2 × 8" turning blank may run $30.
But does the danger carry over into contact with food items where particles from the wood could be ingested? According to Tom Harrington, professor of plant pathology at Iowa State University, the white rot fungus, Hypoxylon deusta, that most commonly causes spalting is not toxic.
I'd treat the spalted wood accordingly. Spalting is the natural breakdown of the tree. The fungi require high moisture content in the wood to be able to grow and be active. Your project will require that your wood be dried down to ordinary cabinet lumber moisture content.
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.
Spalting is a term specifically designated to any pattern in wood as a result of competition between decay-fungi. By manipulating fungi, the operator can create unique patterns in wood called zone lines. Zone lines are formed of melanin, the same pigment humans produce in their skin.
It is clear that all wood is subject to decay, and as such, has the potential to spalt. However, Maple remains the most popular and sought-after wood for Spalting, which is a result of its wide, white sapwood, that creates an ideal 'canvas' for the fungi to work its magic.
I often use spalted timbers (wood with colouration caused by fungi) in my work and find the process of decay and spalting storm fallen timber really exciting. The tiniest of environmental factors can change the outcome of the patterns in the grain, and the patterns are so varied and beautiful.
Shellac should be fine for this project. It offers good protection but will keep and bring out the figure. There is a tendency to over think this. I always start my thought process on finishing with shellac and then go up the “durability” scale only as needed.
Over time the woodworker will work out the degree of spalting that can be contained in any particular design. The final test for the initial question of food contact items and safety is if the item is sound (strong) and it is well coated/finished, then it is very likely to be safe for contact with food.
Identifying spalting after the initial cuts can be hard but what you are wanting to look for in the end grain of the wood, is what looks like someone has drawn squiggly lines and circles in the end grain of the wood. If you see this, there is spalting inside.
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