Red Maple (Soft Maple) / Acer rubrum
Acer rubrum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern and Central North America.
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium Hardness)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Generally straight grain with fine, uniform texture; small branch knots and minor checking visible on this raw branch section.
Color & Appearance
Bark is grayish-brown, moderately smooth with light lichens and tight shallow fissures; inner wood typically features light off-white to cream sapwood and reddish-brown heartwood.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium Hardness)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to insect attack and rot if exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Minimal commercial value in raw branch form ($0.50 - $2.00 per board foot equivalent or craft piece value).
- Wood Age Estimate
- Freshly cut to recently harvested small branch or sapling limb, estimated tree age 10-20 years.
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN); highly abundant and sustainable across North America.
Common Uses
Woodturning, small craft projects, spoon carving, firewood, pulpwood, and low-stress furniture components.
Geographic Origin
Eastern and Central North America.
Workability
Easy to turn, carve, cut, and sand when green or seasoned; turns well on a lathe with sharp tools.
Finish Recommendations
Requires complete drying to prevent further checking/cracking; finish with tung oil, Danish oil, or food-safe mineral oil and beeswax for turned bowls or utensils.
Notable Features
Smooth grayish bark with lichen growth; visible branch collar prune/cut mark; typical small log candidate for bowl turning or spoon carving.
