Ambrosia Maple (or Soft Maple)
Acer rubrum / Acer saccharinum · Hardwood
- Type
- Hardwood
- Origin
- Eastern North America
- Hardness
- 950 lbf (Medium)
- Durability
- Non-durable
Got a wood sample like this?
Identify any wood from a photo, free.
Grain Pattern
Flat-sawn with a pronounced cathedral grain pattern, featuring distinctive ambrosia beetle streaks and mineral staining spots.
Color & Appearance
Pale creamy white to grayish sapwood with contrasting grayish-brown to dark brown streaks and flecks caused by ambrosia beetles and fungi. Moderate natural luster.
Hardness (Janka)
950 lbf (Medium)
Durability & Decay Resistance
Non-durable
Value & Sustainability
- Estimated Market Value
- 4.00 to 8.00 USD per board foot
- Wood Age Estimate
- Modern freshly milled or recently processed lumber (less than 5 years old)
- Sustainability Status
- Least concern, highly sustainable, widely available, not listed on CITES appendices.
Common Uses
Fine furniture, cabinetry, decorative veneers, turning, and specialty woodworking projects.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools, though figured areas and ambrosia streaks can occasionally cause minor tearout if sharp blades are not used.
Finish Recommendations
Takes clear finishes exceptionally well. Water-based or oil-based polyurethanes, lacquer, or penetrating oils will highlight the contrasting streaks and grain patterns.
Notable Features
Features characteristic holes, streaks, and discoloration created by the ambrosia beetle and its associated fungus, giving it a striking worm-eaten appearance without compromising structural integrity.
