Custom Built Spalted Maple Bar

Adam Bronstein – Fine Woodworking is pleased to announce that we will be building (more like constructing) the wine tasting room countertop at the new Barnstormer Winery near Watkins Glen, NY. Owner Scott and I are very excited to embark on this rather large project that will add beauty and character to the tasting room. After much sourcing and deliberating, we have chosen to use inch and a half spalted sugar maple stock for the surface.

Spalting occurs in many tree species, but is most commonly found in maples and birches. Spalting is caused by the inoculation of fungi into the wood which creates beautiful striations and defined lines throughout. A spalted tree is actually in the very early stages of decomposition. When spalted wood is found, it is quickly sawed and dried to further halt the fungi action. If a spalted log is not dealt with in a timely manor, rotting can begin and the structural integrity of the lumber is comprised, making it useless to work with.

Pictures will be posted throughout the creation of the counter. Enjoy.