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Ambrosia Maple

Ambrosia maple, sometimes called wormy maple, is not a separate species. It is standard maple (primarily red maple, Acer rubrum) that has been marked by ambrosia beetle activity, producing pale wood with distinctive grey-brown streaks and tiny entry holes. The result is a structurally sound hardwood with organic, one-of-a-kind character. We use ambrosia maple for live edge tables, statement tabletops, and furniture where the figure itself tells a story.

Where It Comes From

Ambrosia maple occurs wherever its host maple species grow, which covers most of the eastern United States. Red maple is the most common host, given its abundance throughout the region. The beetle activity that creates ambrosia figure happens in living trees that are under stress or in freshly felled logs, so the material enters the supply chain through standard maple harvesting. We source ambrosia maple through domestic hardwood suppliers who grade and select specifically for figure quality.

Typical harvest age: Because ambrosia figure is the result of beetle activity rather than tree age, harvest timing is not the determining factor. The figure develops in response to environmental stress and beetle colonization, which can happen in trees of any age. Availability depends on supply from mills that process maple logs with beetle marks rather than diverting them to lower-grade uses.

Sourced through domestic hardwood suppliers who grade specifically for ambrosia figure. The wood is commercially graded as soft maple with worm holes, no defects (WHND), which means it meets structural standards despite the cosmetic markings.

Cutting and Drying

Ambrosia maple is sawn using the same methods as standard soft maple: plain-sawn for wider boards, rift and quarter-sawn for straighter grain. For live edge work, slabs preserve the full figure across the width of the log. The beetle marks are concentrated in the sapwood, so wider cuts that include more sapwood tend to show the most dramatic figure. We follow our standard slab drying protocol: air-dried for up to 18 months, then kiln-dried for a final three months.

Recommended Finishes

• Resin/epoxy fills: To fill beetle holes when a smoother surface is desired.
• Hardwax oil: Natural texture, accepting maintenance cadence.
• Water-based clear: Smoother, more protective film.
• Lacquer: Polished protective film.

The beetle entry holes are the main finishing consideration. For a smooth, level surface, holes can be filled with tinted or clear resin or epoxy before sanding. For a more natural, tactile feel, the holes can be left open as part of the character. Clear finishes work best to preserve the contrast between the pale maple base and the darker beetle streaks. Water-based clears maintain the lightest tone, while oil-based finishes will add warmth and amber over time.

Browse all options in our finishes guide.

Care and Maintenance

Daily Care

• Dust with a soft, dry cloth or microfiber.
• For routine cleaning, use a slightly damp cloth, then wipe dry.
• Avoid abrasive sponges and harsh chemical cleaners, especially ammonia-based or silicone-containing products.
• Wipe spills promptly. Use coasters and trivets for heat and water protection.

Environment

• Maintain indoor humidity around 40 to 60 percent to reduce seasonal movement in solid wood.
• Avoid placing the piece near heating vents, fireplaces, or prolonged direct sunlight.

Maintenance Schedule

• Oil-finished surfaces: Refresh (clean, lightly abrade if needed, reapply oil) once or twice per year depending on use.
• Film-finished surfaces (water-based clear, polyurethane, lacquer): Clean gently. Refinish generally only after visible wear or damage.

Repair

• Oil systems: Minor scratches can often be blended by light sanding and re-oiling.
• Film systems: Small scratches may be spot-repaired. Deeper damage may require sanding and refinishing the affected area.

Outdoor Furniture

• Outdoor exposure increases stress on finishes.
• If maintaining original color: plan periodic UV-protective oiling (often annually). Otherwise, allow natural silvering and focus on cleaning and inspection.
• Avoid pressure washing. High-pressure water can erode surface fibers, increase splintering, and shorten finish life.

For more details, see our care and maintenance FAQ.

Sources

• OSU Extension, Ambrosia Maple: Mechanical similarity to standard maple

Related Wood Species

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