Ambrosia Maple (Soft Maple)
Acer rubrum / Acer saccharinum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Non-durable, highly susceptible to insect attack and decay if left untreated outdoors.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly irregular grain with distinctive streaks caused by ambrosia beetle infestation, featuring flat-sawn cathedral patterns.
Color & Appearance
Creamy white to light tan sapwood with contrasting dark gray, brown, and bluish-grey streaks and pinholes from ambrosia beetle tunneling. Moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable, highly susceptible to insect attack and decay if left untreated outdoors.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $4.00 to $7.00 per board foot depending on grade and streak distribution.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Recently milled kiln-dried lumber, estimated less than 1 to 3 years since harvest.
- Sustainability Status
- Not CITES listed, IUCN Least Concern, widely available and sustainably harvested in North America.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, decorative veneers, turning, and specialty woodworking projects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though figured sections can occasionally cause minor tearout during planing. Glues, turns, and finishes well.
Finish Recommendations
Takes clear finishes exceptionally well. Water-based or oil-based polyurethanes, conversion varnish, and wipe-on oils enhance the contrasting ambrosia streaks.
Notable Features
Characterized by unique coloration and streaks created by the ambrosia beetle (Taphrina fungus association), making each board completely one-of-a-kind.
