Red Maple (or potentially Silver Maple)
Acer rubrum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Slightly durable; poor resistance to decay and susceptible to insect attack if left unprotected outdoors.
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Grain Pattern
Straight grain with a relatively fine, uniform texture.
Color & Appearance
Light reddish-brown with greyish weathering on the outer surface exposing underlying pinkish-tan tones. Low natural luster on the weathered face.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Slightly durable; poor resistance to decay and susceptible to insect attack if left unprotected outdoors.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- Moderate, roughly $2.00 to $4.00 per board foot for standard lumber grades.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Relatively recent harvest with surface weathering indicating several months of exposure.
- Sustainability Status
- Abundant and of least concern according to the IUCN.
Common Uses
Utility wood, pallets, crates, inferior furniture, turning, and paper pulp.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though it can burn easily when routed or shaped if feed rates are too slow.
Finish Recommendations
Takes stains, dyes, and clears uniformly, though blotchiness can occur without a pre-conditioner.
Notable Features
Features paper-thin flaking bark and transitional inner wood layers typical of younger maple stems.
