Curly Maple (Flame Maple / Tiger Maple)
Acer saccharum (or Acer rubrum) · Hardwood
AI-generated identification · may be incorrect- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard Maple) to 950 lbf (Soft Maple) - Rated Hard to Medium
- Durability
- Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and fungal decay if exposed to moisture, making it best suited for interior environments.
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Grain Pattern
Straight to slightly wavy vertical growth rings combined with prominent horizontal undulating wavy grain producing intense curly/flame figure (fiddleback pattern); rift- to flat-sawn orientation with closed, diffuse-porous texture.
Color & Appearance
Predominantly bright creamy-white to pale golden-amber sapwood with subtle reddish-brown grain lines and mineral streaks; exhibits intense chatoyance and shimmer under changing light angles; tends to naturally amber with UV exposure over time.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard Maple) to 950 lbf (Soft Maple) - Rated Hard to Medium
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable; susceptible to insect attack and fungal decay if exposed to moisture, making it best suited for interior environments.
Value & Age
$12.00 to $25.00+ per board foot depending on figure intensity and curl curl density.
AI estimate for general guidance only — not a professional appraisal. Actual value depends on grade, dimensions, condition, and local market demand.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber; freshly surfaced/planed with sharp edges and clean, unpatinated sapwood surfaces showing modern workshop preparation.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (backs and necks of violins, electric/acoustic guitar tops), fine furniture, cabinetry accents, architectural millwork, turned items, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Moderately demanding; machine or hand planing against the undulating grain frequently causes tearout, requiring sharp tools, shallow cuts, or scraping/sanding; glues, turns, and machines well with proper care.
Finish Recommendations
Pop the curl figure using an aniline dye, shellac washcoat, or penetrating Danish oil, followed by topcoats of clear lacquer, conversion varnish, or polyurethane to maximize depth and clarity.
Notable Features
High optical chatoyance (three-dimensional holographic shimmer), excellent acoustic resonance qualities, clean light tone, and striking horizontal fiddleback striping across the growth grain.
