Curly Maple (Tiger Maple / Flame Maple)
Acer saccharum • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Highly figured with a strong 'curly' or 'tiger' rippling effect; vertical growth rings are intersected by horizontal wavy grain deformations that create a washboard texture and chatoyancy.
Color Description
Predominantly light creamy white to off-white sapwood (which is the preferred portion); heartwood is darker reddish-brown. Exhibits a luster that catches light differently across the curls, yellowing slightly over time with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
1,450 lbf (Hard)
Durability Rating
Non-durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if not kept dry and protected.
Common Uses
Musical instruments (backs of violins and guitars), high-end furniture, cabinetry, veneer, gunstocks, and specialty woodturning.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and the Great Lakes region.
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$12.00 to $25.00 per board foot, depending on the intensity of the figure.
Wood Age Estimate
Freshly milled; the light color and presence of surface sawdust suggest a new board with minimal oxidation or patina development.
Sustainability Status
Not listed by CITES or the IUCN Red List; widely available and generally considered sustainable with FSC options available.
Workability
Difficult due to the figured grain; prone to significant tear-out during planing and jointing. Requires very sharp tools and light passes. Glues and finishes well.
Notable Features
Exhibits intense chatoyancy (optical shimmer). It is a 'tonewood' prized for its acoustic properties and aesthetic beauty in lutherie.
Finish Recommendations
Clear lacquer or shellac to highlight the figure. Often stained or dyed (wiped on and sanded back) to 'pop' the grain before sealing.
Identification Confidence
High; the combination of light cream color, characteristic rippled 'curly' figure, and the visible bark on the live edge is diagnostic for North American Maple.