Spalted Beech, also referred to as Truffle Beech, veneers are one of the most unique and rare woods available in today’s market. As with all species, every tree has distinct characteristics, but spalting alters the tree’s appearance in ways that cannot be replicated.
What is Spalting? Spalting is a term used to describe the process by which certain fungi grow on dead or fallen trees and after colonizing the wood. The distinct black lines created during this process are actually zone lines created by different species of fungi erecting barriers around their territory! There are primary colonizers who come first and establish territories and then have to defend them against secondary colonizers who are only able to colonize the wood because the primary colonizers have changed the PH of the wood & its structure.
Why is it rare? These veneers are extremely rare as spalting occurs after a tree has fallen and these trees are often rotting at the same time. If left unchecked, eventually the whole tree is eaten & consumed, part of nature’s process of dealing with dead & fallen trees. Timing of slicing is key to producing usable veneer. Too soon and you will get material with little to no character. Too late and the wood deteriorates and becomes too soft to slice.