Domestic Hardwood - Soft Maple

Location

• Northeastern United States.

Description

• Sapwood can range to a nice white color to a off-white color with hints of light golden or reddish brown. The heartwood is a darker reddish brown in color. The lumber has closed pores, straight grain, and a fine texture. The growth rings of Soft Maples are usually less distinct than Hard Maple.

How well does it work?

• Soft Maple works well with and machine tools, but it’s high density will blunt cutting edges. The lumber will also have a tendency to burn when cut with high speed cutters, such as a router. Turns, finishes and glues decently, but blotchiness may occur when staining.

Seasoning and Durability

• Sapwood is not durable for decay resistance. Heartwood is also not durable and liable to attack from insects.

Notes on Soft Maples

• Soft Maple sold by Downes & Reader is more commonly known as Silver Maple, which gets its name because the leaves of this particular Soft Maple tree have pale silvery undersides. Silver Soft Maple also produces a lot of Curly Maple.

Toxicity

• Soft Maple may cause skin irritation(dermatitis), runny nose, or have asthma like respiratory effects.

Common Uses

• Flooring, cabinetry, furniture, panelling, instruments, and turnery.

• * Stock is currently available in limited quanities. This generally means we have less than 500 BF, or the stock is either all narrow or an odd length.

Sources:

• Forest Products Laboratory - US Department of Agriculuture Forest Service
• The Wood Database - Eric Meier
• World Woods in Color - William A. Lincoln
• HobbitHouse - Wood Identification Site