Silver Maple (Soft Maple)
Acer saccharinum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America
- Hardness
- 700 lbf (Soft)
- Durability
- Non-durable to perishable; very low resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack if left untreated in moist conditions.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight but can be wavy; specific sample shows flat-sawn cathedral patterns with some subtle mineral streaking and slight spalting beginning at the bottom.
Color & Appearance
Sapwood is a pale off-white to creamy color, while heartwood is typically grayish to reddish brown. This sample is primarily light sapwood with some darker streaks that will darken to a golden hue with age.
Hardness (Janka)
700 lbf (Soft)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to perishable; very low resistance to decay and highly susceptible to insect attack if left untreated in moist conditions.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $3.00 - $5.00 per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly milled to 1 year; the lack of deep oxidation and clean, light color suggests a relatively new cut or recently surfaced lumber.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); widely available and not CITES listed. FSC certification is commonly available.
Common Uses
Pallets, crates, furniture frames, paper pulp, musical instruments, turned objects, and veneer.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America
Workability
Easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It machines well, though it can occasionally experience fuzzy grain if tools are not sharp. Glues, stains, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes all finishes well including oils, lacquer, and polyurethane. Pre-conditioner is recommended if staining to avoid blotchiness common in maples.
Notable Features
Often sold interchangeably with Red Maple as 'Soft Maple.' It has no characteristic odor and is generally non-toxic, though dust can be a mild respiratory irritant.
