Why I Love Ambrosia Maple

Ambrosia Maple is a fascinating wood. It’s a variety of soft maple that features distinct, oblong streaks of grey, blue, and black throughout the grain. I enjoy working with it because it offers a level of visual drama that you just won't find in a standard, "clean" piece of lumber. Like any Maple, it is incredibly sturdy and smooth to the touch, .

So why is it that you’ll almost never see Ambrosia Maple used by big-name furniture retailers?

In the world of mass production, consistency is king. Large brands want every product to look exactly like the one in the catalog. Because the beautiful streaks in Ambrosia Maple are caused by the Ambrosia Beetle—a tiny insect that bores into the tree and leaves behind a unique fungal "ghosting"—big manufacturers view these markings as "defects." They see a flaw where I see a story.

As I get the shop back up and running, I’m leaning into these natural imperfections. Choosing Ambrosia Maple means I’m working with the tree’s history, rather than trying to sand it away.

Just like my stance on Teak, my choice to work with Maple is also about where it comes from. By using this species, I’m able to source lumber from local sawmills right here in the US. This supports our regional economy and avoids the massive environmental footprint of shipping "perfect" exotic boards across the globe. It allows me to create something high-end without losing sight of the environmental impact.

Currently, I’m using Ambrosia Maple for the sides of all my oversized breakfast trays. I’ve found that using this wood for the sides makes each tray completely unique. No two are ever the same, which turns a functional everyday item into a one-of-a-kind piece of art for your home.

Send me a message if you’re looking to add a piece to your home that’s truly original. We can talk about the grain, the history of the wood, and how to pick the perfect materials for your project.