The fungi that cause pigmenting do destroy the integrity of the wood but at a slower rate than their white rot compatriots - this is called soft rotting. This is due to pigmentation, which is caused by fungi producing extracellular pigments inside wood. Pigmentation: There are often multiple shades and a variety of colors present in spalted maple. Unlike zone lines, white rot spalting does cause a weakening of the wood, causing what woodworkers call punky areas in the wood and eventually rendering wood unusable if not controlled. This is due to white rot fungi which effectively bleaches the wood by consuming the pigmented area of a wood cell called lignin. White Rot: Spalted Maple will often have streaks of lighter colors. Though fungi can damage wood, these zone lines themselves do not affect the structural integrity of the wood. By sustainably sourcing discarded logs from local New England woods, the maker is able to bring new life to decomposing wood. These lines generally delineate where fungus are interacting and where they have erected mycelium barriers to protect their resources. These natural design patterns are known as zone lines. Zone Lines: The signature visual characteristics of a spalted maple include inky winding lines, dark dotting, and thin streaks of red, brown and black. However, the way in which hardwoods (deciduous) and softwoods (coniferous) spalt and what types of fungi are present is often different. Spalting is classified by three main facets: zone lines, white rot, and pigmentation. The trick to creating commercial grade spalted wood is to understand when to stop the progress of the decay so that the desired designs are visible while the strength and integrity of the wood remain intact. Time: Our proprietary blend of fungi requires approximately 24 months to complete the transformation from a chromatic homogeny, commodity product to a work of art. An overly waterlogged or submerged piece of wood will not grow fungus as it lacks sufficient oxygen. Oxygen: Fungi require an appropriate level of oxygen. Temperature: Our fungi responsible for creating spalted wood are from robust Vermont stock and prefer a temperature range of 50-65d.F Lindgren Lumber aims to provide the highest quality material and a level of uniqueness that will impress both avid woodworkers and newcomers alike. Water: For fungal colonization to occur, the wood should be above the fiber saturation moisture content. Providing specialty figured hardwoods: Curly Maple, Curly Cherry, Birdseye Maple, Curly Black Walnut, Flame Birch, Spalted Maple, Curly White Oak, and Bark Pocket. Providing specialty figured hardwoods: Curly Maple, Curly Cherry, Birdseye Maple, Curly Black Walnut, Flame Birch, Spalted Maple, Curly White Oak, and Bark Pocket. Factors include the amount of water saturation, the temperature of the wood, the amount of oxygen present, and the amount of time the fungus has to paint its masterpiece. For spalting to occur, certain conditions must exist for the fungi to flourish within the wood.
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