It may sound trite but nature makes some of the most beautiful creations; what's surprising is when natural beauty is even further enhanced by decay. The impressive table top above by studio furniture designer and craftsman Don Howell is a paradigm of a natural phenomenon called spalting. Expert woodworkers seek out pieces of spalted wood, but what is it, exactly?
Spalting typically occurs in light colored hardwoods such as maple, birch and beech. Essentially it is the presence of fungi, eating the sap - which is like a carbohydrate, within the wood. Also called sapstain, the fungi creates the elaborate blue/black patterns that resemble ink drawings across the wood. Interestingly, spalted wood is a popular choice for custom-made guitars.
If you're concerned about having something with fungi inside of it, keep in mind that most wood is typically kiln dried which kills off any living organisms inside.
Take a closer look at some photos of this natural distortion in these two projects by Don Howell:
• Supreme Cocktail Table | Caviar20
• Upstate Deco Side Table| Caviar20
Images: Caviar20.com
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the wooden top is Beautiful!!..especially love the small detail on the cocktail table. The leg design I am not a big fan of. Although i would love to see a long coffee table with this kind of spalted wood.
Never heard of this before - but I certainly like it!
The only real danger in spalted wood is if you are a woodworker. Turning or sanding this type of wood can cause respiratory problems (although many say no much more so than any other wood). Otherwise it is safe. It is generally recommended to seal any wood salad bowls or plates though since turned wood is not usually kiln dried.
The story behind how the wood comes to be is a selling point for me. Love the conversation starter. There is something special about owning products with a story.