Spalted Maple Stump

While I'm on the deeply fascinating subject of interesting log ends...

Take a look at this sugar maple tree stump end.

Partially spalted maple stump.

You'll notice perhaps 40% of the left side of the stump has decayed due to fungal rot. This is called 'spalted' wood. If left to active fungus, the wood would eventually become 'punky', too soft for furniture treatment with preserving oils and not enough BTUs for burning.

Looking at the stump end I know the one or two log sections cut from this tree for slab milling will produce entrancing decoration over the surface of the wood. That day of milling will be a happy day. People who know and love furnishings reserve a special place in their hearts for materials like this.

Enough of my boring wood talk!