Curly Maple (Tiger Maple / Flame Maple)
Acer saccharum (Hard Maple) / Acer rubrum (Soft Maple) · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Northeastern North America and Eastern United States.
- Hardness
- 1,450 lbf (Hard - Acer saccharum) or 950 lbf (Medium - Acer rubrum)
- Durability
- Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to moisture.
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Grain Pattern
Wavy and curly grain producing distinct perpendicular fiddleback or tiger-stripe chatoyant figure, quarter-sawn to rift-sawn orientation.
Color & Appearance
Pale creamy white to light reddish-tan heartwood with bright iridescent highlights that shimmer when light reflects off the curly growth lines. Typically darkens slightly to a warm golden hue over time.
Hardness (Janka)
1,450 lbf (Hard - Acer saccharum) or 950 lbf (Medium - Acer rubrum)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable to Slightly Durable; susceptible to decay and insect attack if exposed to moisture.
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- $10.00 - $18.00 per board foot depending on figure intensity and grade.
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern lumber/sample (likely freshly planed or surfaced raw stock, under 5 years old).
- Sustainability Status
- Least Concern (IUCN), non-CITES listed, widely available from sustainably managed forests and FSC sources.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, musical instruments (violin backs, guitar tops and necks), cabinetry, architectural millwork, turnings, and decorative veneers.
Geographic Origin
Northeastern North America and Eastern United States.
Workability
Moderately difficult to work with hand tools or planers due to interlocked curly fibers which can cause severe tearout; high-speed sharp cutters, light passes, or drum sanding are recommended.
Finish Recommendations
Dyes or spirit stains excel at highlighting the figure, followed by clear coats like lacquer, shellac, wiping varnish, or polyurethane.
Notable Features
High optical chatoyance ('tiger-stripe' figure) created by ripples in the wood grain orientation, non-toxic, mild sweet scent when cut.
