Bigleaf Maple
Acer macrophyllum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Principally straight grain with visible curly (fiddleback) figure or quilting appearing as horizontal chatoyant waves across the board face. Medium-fine, even texture.
Color Description
Creamy white to light reddish-brown heartwood with pale white sapwood. This sample shows subtle golden hues and will darken to a deeper amber color with age and light exposure. High natural luster.
Hardness Rating
850 lbf (Soft to Medium)
Durability Rating
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if left unprotected in outdoor environments.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (guitar backs/sides), furniture, cabinetry, veneer, turning, and specialty woodcrafts due to the figured patterns.
Geographic Origin
Pacific Coast of North America, ranging from Alaska to southern California.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$8.00 - $15.00 per board foot (higher for figured specimens like this one).
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled or recently planed; minimal oxidation or patina suggests the wood is less than 5 years old since processing.
Sustainability Status
Not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List; generally considered sustainable and widely available within its native range.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. Figured areas are prone to tearout during planing, so sharp blades and a high angle of attack are required.
Notable Features
Exhibits excellent acoustic properties and significant chatoyance (optical shimmer) when finished. Lacks a characteristic scent once dried.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains and finishes very well. Pure oils or clear lacquers are recommended to enhance the depth of the curly figure.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of light coloration, diffuse-porous structure, and specific curly/quilted figure is diagnostic for Acer macrophyllum in the context of commercial timber.