Handcrafted pieces salvaged from the firewood pile can become the statement piece of your home. New vendor, The Wood Shop, is locally operated by David Thal. For example, the Spalted Ambrosia Maple Cocktail Table was cut from a locally grown tree that was sent to be processed for firewood. Saved by David, the wood was used to craft a stunning cocktail table.
Knowing the terms that are used in the name of the table help you understand its history. Spalting is the discoloration of the wood created by fungi. This discoloration is the beginning of the decaying process, which is terminated when the condition of the wood will no longer allow the fungi to grow. The spalting process creates amazing color and patterns with crisp, fine lines.
The grayish blue to brown streaked pattern is called Ambrosia, which is found mostly in Maple. Named after the Ambrosia beetle, the unique pattern is create when the beetle burrows into the tree leaving a path of fungus in its wake. The fungus creates the discoloration in the wood. There is a small hole left in each streak by the beetle, but the hole does not disturb the integrity of the wood.
The kiln drying process kills the different fungi and allows the coloration and patterns to remain creating a distinct and beautiful pattern.
To create a certain visual flow the piece is book matched, meaning the wood is resawn and folded to create two identical surfaces. The ends are matched and mirror each other creating the impression of an open book.
Locally grown, this tree was part of the nearly 4 billion board foot of lumber that is turned into firewood, mulch or taken to the landfill each year. Whether the trees are storm fallen, dead or diseased, or remove for development, many have a story. A second life is given to the pieces saved by craftsman and artists who turn the dispose tree into furniture or a sculpture that can last centuries. Utilizing the lumber is environmentally responsible and reduces waste, keeping natural resources out of landfills.
