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Few woods capture the imagination of woodworkers quite like Ambrosia Maple. With swirling streaks, subtle blue-gray hues, and delicate bore marks, it looks like art made by nature itself.
But here’s the thing most people don’t realize. Ambrosia Maple isn’t actually a species... It’s the creative result of the Ambrosia beetle and the artistic residual colours it leaves behind. These colours transform ordinary maple into something extraordinary.
At The Knotty Lumber Co., we carry Ambrosia Maple for exactly that reason. It’s the perfect balance of workability, affordability, and visual character that turns every project into a conversation piece.
Ambrosia Maple is not a separate tree species but rather maple wood (typically soft maple) that’s been naturally stained by the Ambrosia beetle. When the beetle tunnels into a maple tree, it introduces a symbiotic fungus into the wood.
That fungus discolours the fibers around the bore paths, leaving distinct streaks of grey, brown, and blue/green. These are the telltale marks of Ambrosia Maple.
It’s often called “wormy maple”, though no worms are involved. It's just beetles doing their work. Once the wood is kiln-dried, all insect activity is halted, leaving only the stunning visual patterns behind.
The base colour of Ambrosia Maple is a light creamy beige typical of soft maple, overlaid with natural gray and brown streaking.
Each board is unique, often featuring:
The result is an eye-catching blend of elegance and character. It's especially prized for accent furniture, tabletops, and turned work.
| Ambrosia Maple 2'x4-6" | Ambrosia Maple Cutting Board Blanks | Ambrosia Maple 4' 5 pack |
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Because Ambrosia Maple is generally derived from soft maple species (Acer rubrum), its Janka hardness ranges from 700 to 950 lbf, making it moderately hard—easy to machine but still durable.
Because Ambrosia Maple is soft maple, it shares all the same workability properties.
Because some boards contain small voids or beetle holes, many makers opt to fill them with clear or tinted epoxy for a smooth, sealed finish.
Ambrosia Maple is as versatile as it is beautiful. Its visual character works across a range of design styles from rustic farmhouse to sleek modern builds.
Common Uses Include:
Because of its unique streaking, Ambrosia Maple often becomes the centerpiece wood in a project and can be used strategically to draw the eye.
One of the primary advantages of ambrosia are that no two boards are alike
While Ambrosia Maple is beloved for its character, there are a few things to keep in mind:
The key is selection—when sourcing, look for stable, kiln-dried boards with a balance of streaking and clean grain.
To showcase its unique patterns, clarity is king. Transparent finishes let the natural contrast shine.
Some top choices include:
Avoid heavy stains—they can muddy the natural colouration that makes Ambrosia Maple so special.
Ambrosia Maple vs. Spalted Maple
These two often get confused, but they’re distinct:
|
Feature |
Ambrosia Maple |
Spalted Maple |
|
What Causes it? |
Beetle & fungus interaction |
Fungal decay pattern |
|
Pattern |
Linear streaks, tunnels, small holes |
Random dark lines & zones |
|
Hardness |
Similar to soft maple |
Often softer due to decay |
|
Structural Integrity |
Typically solid |
Sometimes punky or fragile |
|
Finish Goal |
Highlight beetle trails |
Stabilize & preserve figure |
Ambrosia is usually more stable and easier to work with—offering dramatic visuals without the brittleness that can come with spalting.
When selecting Ambrosia Maple, look for:
At The Knotty Lumber Co., our Ambrosia Maple is:
We hand-select each board to deliver maximum character with reliable workability.
Fun Fact: Why It’s Called “Ambrosia”
The name comes from the Ambrosia beetle’s relationship with its fungal partner. The fungus serves as the beetle’s “ambrosia”—its sole food source. The Greek word ambrosia literally means “food of the gods,” a fitting name for a process that transforms ordinary wood into something divine.
Q: Is Ambrosia Maple safe to use?
A: Yes. Once kiln-dried, all beetle and fungal activity is terminated. The discolouration is purely aesthetic.
Q: Can I use Ambrosia Maple for cutting boards?
A: You can, but ensure all voids are filled and surfaces are sealed with a food-safe finish. For heavy-duty cutting, hard maple is more traditional.
Q: Will the streaking fade?
A: Over years of UV exposure, colour contrast may soften slightly. Use a finish with UV inhibitors to help preserve it.
Q: How does Ambrosia Maple compare in price?
A: It’s typically priced between soft maple and cherry, offering premium visual appeal at a mid-range cost.
Q: Can it be used outdoors?
A: Not recommended. Like all maples, Ambrosia Maple is best for interior use unless protected with outdoor finishes.
Ambrosia Maple proves that imperfection is beauty. The streaks, tunnels, and colour shifts that once marked a beetle’s path now give makers a one-of-a-kind medium to express creativity.
For woodturners, furniture builders, and design-minded DIYers, it’s a reminder that the most beautiful things in woodworking often come from nature’s accidents.
At The Knotty Lumber Co., we celebrate those details—offering Ambrosia Maple in hand-selected sizes, turning blanks, and slabs ready to become your next masterpiece.
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