American Hard Maple
Name:
Acer saccharum
Origin:
North-eastern and North America
Colour:
Unlike most other hardwoods, the sapwood of hard maple lumber is most used rather than its heartwood. Sapwood colour ranges from nearly white, to an off-white cream colour, sometimes with a reddish or golden hue. The heartwood tends to be a darker reddish-brown. Hard maple can also be seen with curly or quilted grain patterns.
Grain:
The grain is generally straight but may be wavy. Has a fine, even texture.
Rot Resistance:
Rated as non-durable to perishable, and susceptible to insect attack.
Typical Applications:
Flooring (from basketball courts and dancefloors to bowling alleys and residential), veneer, paper (pulpwood), musical instruments, cutting boards, butcher blocks, workbenches, baseball bats, and other turned objects and wood items.
Density:
740 kg/m³ average
Workability:
Fairly easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Maple tends to burn when machined with high-speed cutters such as in a router. It turns, glues, and finishes well, though blotches can occur when staining, and a pre-conditioner, gel stain, or toner may be necessary to get an even colour.