Hard Maple
Latin: Acer saccharum Origin: Northeastern North America
Hard Maple has a fine, uniform texture, turns well on a lathe, is resistant to abrasion and has no characteristic odor or taste. It is heavy, strong, stiff, hard, and resistant to shock, and it has large shrinkage. The sapwood of maples is commonly white with a slight reddish-brown tinge; the heartwood is light reddish brown, but sometimes is considerably darker. It stains and polishes well, but is intermediate in gluing.
Birdseye Maple as well as Curly and Quilted Maple figure happens in Hard Maple species.
Wood Type
Domestic hardwood
Texture
Fine, even texture
Grain Pattern
Typically straight
Health Risks
Uncommon for skin and respiratory allergies
Color
Nearly white to pale cream, with age color deepens to a light golden color