Wormy Maple (Soft Maple)
Acer rubrum (Red Maple) or Acer saccharinum (Silver Maple) • Hardwood
Grain Pattern
Straight but often subtle; the sample shows significant beetle exit holes and localized fungal staining (ambrosia-like patterns) which disrupt the visual grain line.
Color Description
Heartwood is a light to medium brown; sapwood is a greyish-white with highlights of amber. This sample shows significant darkening or 'patina' due to age, oxidation, and potentially old surface treatments.
Hardness Rating
950 lbf (Medium); softer and lighter than Hard Maple.
Durability Rating
Non-durable; highly susceptible to rot and insect attack (as evidenced by the numerous pin-sized exit holes).
Common Uses
Rustic furniture, secondary wood in antique cabinetry, paneling, crates, and increasingly for decorative 'character' flooring.
Geographic Origin
Eastern North America
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
$4.50 - $7.00 per board foot depending on the density of the 'wormy' character and local availability.
Wood Age Estimate
40-70 years; the oxidation of the surface, deep-set dirt in the insect holes, and the specific wear patterns suggest reclaimed material from an old structure or vintage utility furniture.
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; not listed on CITES or IUCN Red List. Widely available and often harvested as a byproduct of higher-grade timber production.
Workability
Generally easy to work with both hand and machine tools. It planes and glues well, though the insect holes can occasionally cause minor chipping or require filling for a smooth finish.
Notable Features
Features distinct 'worm holes' caused by ambrosia beetles or similar wood-boring insects. It lack the characteristic sweet scent of cedar or the heavy tannins of oak.
Finish Recommendations
Clear oils or shellac are recommended to highlight the natural character holes. If a flat surface is desired, a clear grain filler or epoxy can be used to plug the holes before a polyurethane topcoat.
Identification Confidence
Medium; identified as a diffuse-porous hardwood consistent with Maple. The hole pattern and grain texture strongly suggest 'Wormy' Soft Maple, though aged Birch is a secondary possibility.